Comstock (LODE) 10-Q 16 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 14, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Comstock Mining Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001120970	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	85,518,706

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$9,262,254	$2,409,446
Accounts receivable	14,193	14,629
Inventories	788,727	591,961
Stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads	730,830	547,480
Prepaid expenses	1,151,097	2,396,747
Total current assets	11,947,101	5,960,263
MINERAL RIGHTS AND PROPERTIES, Net	7,369,280	7,470,780
PROPERTIES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, Net	25,817,177	25,275,440
RECLAMATION BOND DEPOSIT	2,642,804	2,742,804
RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ASSET	1,737,742	2,491,956
OTHER ASSETS	39,343	58,753
TOTAL ASSETS	49,553,447	43,999,996
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable	1,952,540	3,131,029
Accrued expenses	4,602,304	7,043,335
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations– current portion	6,770,601	2,675,800
Derivative liabilities	885,355	250,000
Total current liabilities	14,210,800	13,100,164
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:	'	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	5,458,990	5,231,674
Long-term reclamation liability	5,682,325	5,424,410
Total long-term liabilities	11,141,315	10,656,084
Total liabilities	25,352,115	23,756,248
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock, $.000666 par value, 3,950,000,000 shares authorized, 83,295,115 and 70,188,937 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	55,475	46,746
Additional paid-in capital	211,378,485	199,167,304
Accumulated deficit	-187,232,660	-178,970,335
Total stockholders’ equity	24,201,332	20,243,748
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	49,553,447	43,999,996
7.5% Series A-1 convertible preferred stock; $.000666 par value, 1,500,000 shares authorized; 24,362 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:	'	'
Convertible Preferred Stock; 50,000,000 shares authorized	16	16
7.5% Series A-2 convertible preferred stock, $.000666 par value, 250,000 shares authorized; 1,610 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:	'	'
Convertible Preferred Stock; 50,000,000 shares authorized	1	1
7.5% Series B convertible preferred stock, $.000666 par value, 600,000 shares authorized; 22,700 and 24,193 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:	'	'
Convertible Preferred Stock; 50,000,000 shares authorized	$15	$16

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common stock, par value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	3,950,000,000	3,950,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	83,295,115	70,188,937
Common stock, shares outstanding	83,295,115	70,188,937
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
7.5% Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, dividend rate	7.50%	7.50%
Preferred stock, par or stated value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,500,000	1,500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	24,362	24,362
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	24,362	24,362
7.5% Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, dividend rate	7.50%	7.50%
Preferred stock, par or stated value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	250,000	250,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	1,610	1,610
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	1,610	1,610
7.5% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, dividend rate	7.50%	7.50%
Preferred stock, par or stated value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	600,000	600,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	22,700	24,193
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	22,700	24,193

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
REVENUE - MINING	$6,513,348	$6,607,132	$18,098,395	$17,086,569
REVENUE - HOSPITALITY	274,201	211,646	668,530	507,883
Total revenues	6,787,549	6,818,778	18,766,925	17,594,452
COST AND EXPENSES	'	'	'	'
Costs applicable to mining revenue	4,377,791	6,371,224	14,607,454	18,441,139
Hospitality operating costs	331,613	313,653	922,758	773,577
Mine development, reclamation and exploration	1,999,265	1,839,832	5,993,960	6,265,644
General and administrative	1,509,494	2,736,814	5,177,802	7,959,953
Total cost and expenses	8,218,163	11,261,523	26,701,974	33,440,313
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	-1,430,614	-4,442,745	-7,935,049	-15,845,861
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	-366,011	25,080	-582,845	544,681
Interest expense	-264,323	-100,896	-757,857	-792,842
Interest and other income	1,012,190	301	1,013,426	1,870
Gain on settlement of debt obligations	'	'	0	286,535
Total other income (expense), net	381,856	-75,515	-327,276	40,244
NET LOSS	-1,048,758	-4,518,260	-8,262,325	-15,805,617
INCOME TAXES	0	0	0	0
NET LOSS	-1,048,758	-4,518,260	-8,262,325	-15,805,617
DIVIDENDS ON CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK	-931,680	-973,123	-2,802,769	-3,037,165
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	($1,980,438)	($5,491,383)	($11,065,094)	($18,842,782)
Net loss per common share – basic	($0.02)	($0.09)	($0.14)	($0.33)
Net loss per common share – diluted	($0.02)	($0.09)	($0.14)	($0.33)
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic	82,912,805	63,981,943	77,065,692	57,742,461
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted	82,912,805	63,981,943	77,065,692	57,742,461

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net loss	($8,262,325)	($15,805,617)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation, amortization and depletion	5,058,532	3,316,411
Stock payments and stock-based compensation	1,705,160	2,583,868
Accretion of reclamation liability	257,915	219,619
Loss on sale of properties, plant, and equipment	45,499	1,015,496
Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs	474,297	589,287
Write down of inventories and stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pad	0	986,600
Net change in fair values of derivatives	635,355	-603,970
Gain on settlement of debt obligations	0	-286,535
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	436	-2,156,962
Inventories	-196,766	-455,602
Stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads	-183,350	214,166
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-116,132	-127,091
Other assets	19,411	19,411
Accounts payable	-441,281	-335,132
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-1,591,031	-763,011
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES	-2,594,280	-11,589,062
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from sale of properties, plant and equipment	150,415	571,820
Purchase of mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment	-1,856,628	-2,633,726
Increase in reclamation bond deposit	-750,000	-582,000
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-2,456,213	-2,643,906
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-3,684,252	-4,190,404
Proceeds from long-term debt obligations	4,626,289	0
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	10,993,283	18,750,001
Common stock issuance costs	-32,019	-439,515
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	11,903,301	14,120,082
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	6,852,808	-112,886
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	2,409,446	5,973,079
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	9,262,254	5,860,193
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	567,824	249,153
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Conversion of convertible preferred stock to common stock (par value)	1	2,273
Reclamation bond deposit included in accrued expenses and other liabilities	150,000	1,100,000
Settlement of long-term debt obligations from gold transfers	0	2,723,107
Settlement of long-term debt obligations through transfer of properties, plant and equipment	0	1,028,180
Dividends paid in common stock (par value)	1,502	1,444
Issuance of long-term debt obligations for purchase of mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment	3,006,094	4,303,387
Vested restricted common stock (par value)	1,183	216
Properties, plant and equipment purchases in accounts payable	135,020	1,036,468
Debt Obligation Payment [Member]	'	'
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Issuance of common stock for settlement of long-term debt obligations	0	75,000
Acquisition of Mineral Property [Member]	'	'
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Issuance of common stock for settlement of long-term debt obligations	814,956	0
Payment of Loan Fees [Member]	'	'
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Issuance of common stock for settlement of long-term debt obligations	$274,119	$0

Interim_Financial_Statements

Interim Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Interim Financial Statements	'
	Interim Financial Statements
	Basis of Presentation
	The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Comstock Mining Inc. ("Comstock", "Company", "we", "our" or "us") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company shipped 4,997 and 14,267 ounces of gold, respectively, resulting in recognized revenue of approximately $6.5 million and $18.1 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company shipped 61,001 and 158,731 ounces of silver, respectively, resulting in sales of approximately $1.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively. Silver is accounted for as a by-product credit in costs applicable to mining revenue for financial reporting purposes.
	Liquidity and Management Plans
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern which considers the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business and does not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of uncertainties noted below. The Company was an exploration company for most of its existence and transitioned into production in the Lucerne Mine late in 2012, and accordingly, has incurred net operating losses and negative cash flows from operations every year since inception resulting in an accumulated deficit of $187.2 million.
	The Company incurred a net loss of $8.3 million and used cash flows in operations of $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. For the three months ending September 30, 2014, the Company incurred a net loss of $1.0 million. At September 30, 2014, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $9.3 million.
	The Company’s current capital resources include cash and cash equivalents and other working capital resources, cash generated through operations, and existing financing arrangements, including a $5 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Auramet International, LLC ("Auramet"), pursuant to which the Company may have borrowings up to $5 million outstanding at any given time, whereby Auramet, on October 9, 2014, agreed to extend the facility from the current maturity of February 6, 2015, an additional year, to February 5, 2016. The Company has financed its exploration, development and start up activities principally from the sale of equity securities and, to a lesser extent, debt financing. In May 2014, the Company raised $11.9 million in gross proceeds (approximately $11 million, net of issuance costs) through an underwritten public offering of 7,475,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $1.59 per share. While the Company has been successful in the past in obtaining the necessary capital to support its operations, including registered equity financings from its existing shelf registration statement, borrowings, or other means, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional equity capital or other financing, if needed. The Company believes it will have sufficient funds to sustain its operations during the next 12 months as a result of the sources of funding detailed above.
	Future production rates and gold prices below management’s expectations would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. If the Company was unable to obtain any necessary additional funds, this could have an immediate material adverse effect on liquidity and could raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In such case, the Company could be required to limit or discontinue certain business plans, activities or operations, reduce or delay certain capital expenditures or sell certain assets or businesses. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to take any such actions on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all.
	Use of Estimates
	In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenditures during the reported periods. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Estimates may include those pertaining to valuation of inventories, stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads, the estimated useful lives and valuation of plant and equipment, mineral rights, deferred tax assets, convertible preferred stock, derivative assets and liabilities, reclamation liabilities, stock-based compensation and payments, and contingent liabilities.
	Derivative Liabilities
	Derivative liabilities are recorded at fair value when issued and the subsequent change in fair value each period is recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We do not hold or issue any derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
	The Company manages its exposure to changes in gold market prices by entering into various derivative contracts including gold forward contracts, gold call option contracts, and gold collar option contracts currently with open written calls and purchased puts. Depending on the specific nature of each of the derivative contracts, the changes in the fair value are recognized as either a component of revenue or other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	The Company has contingent debt obligation payment derivatives whereby it may be required to make additional future cash payments for some of its debt obligations. The changes in the fair value of these contingent debt obligation liabilities are recognized as a component of other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	General and Administrative Expense Presentation
	The amounts for consultants and professional fees in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation wherein these amounts are recorded within the general and administrative line item. In prior periods, all consultants and professional fees were recorded within a separate consultants and professional fees line item.
	Comprehensive Income
	The only component of comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, was the net loss.
	Income Taxes
	We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, if any. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for which we do not consider realization of such deferred tax assets to be more likely than not. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for its net deferred tax assets as it cannot conclude it is more likely than not that they will be realized.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 that introduces a new five-step revenue recognition model in which an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15. This ASU requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the ASU (1) provides a definition of the term substantial doubt, (2) requires an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, (3) provides principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) requires certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) requires an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) requires an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). This standard is effective for the fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Inventories_Stockpiles_and_Min

Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads	'
	Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads
	Inventories, stockpiles and mineralized materials on leach pads consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	In-process	$	788,727	$	591,961
	Finished goods	—		—
	Total inventories	$	788,727	$	591,961
	Stockpiles	$	78,620	$	45,455
	Mineralized material on leach pads	652,210		502,025
	Total stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads	$	730,830	$	547,480
	Total	$	1,519,557	$	1,139,441

Properties_Plant_and_Equipment

Properties, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Properties, Plant and Equipment	'
	Properties, Plant and Equipment
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company made capital expenditures totaling approximately $5 million. Approximately $1 million was primarily for the design and construction of the heap leach expansion and related infrastructure. Approximately $1 million was used to purchase multiple land lot properties throughout Storey and Lyon County including 5 lots near the mining and processing operation. The Company also incurred debt obligations to acquire mining vehicles and equipment with a cost of approximately $3 million. Depreciation expense for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 was $1.5 and $4.1 million, respectively.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company acquired mining vehicles and equipment totaling $4.3 million under capital lease obligations, made capital expenditures of approximately $2.5 million primarily for the design and construction of heap leach expansion and Merrill Crowe upgrades, and sold vehicles with a gross book value of $3.2 million for a loss of $1 million.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	Derivative financial instruments consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
	Derivative Type	2014		2013
	Derivative liabilities
	Contingent debt obligation payment	$	832,845	$	250,000
	Gold call options and forwards	52,510		—
	Total derivative liabilities	$	885,355	$	250,000
	Contingent Debt Obligation Payment Derivative - On February 11, 2014, the Company agreed to pay certain debt issuance costs in connection with the Revolving Credit Facility transaction (see footnote 6) via the issuance of 137,105 shares of common stock with an estimated grant date fair value of $274,210. With respect to 63,505 of such shares issued to Auramet, the Company agreed to make an additional payment to Auramet equal to the difference between $123,835 and sales proceeds received from the sale of such shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2014, the liability associated with the terms of this agreement was $46,994 and is expected to be settled before the end of the current year. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, the Company recognized a loss of $25,612 and $46,994, respectively, on the change in the fair value of this obligation included as a component of change in fair value of derivatives in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement to issue 1,000,000 shares of common stock for a $2,000,000 principal payment on its Golden Goose debt obligation. As part of the agreement, the Company agreed to make an additional payment to the noteholder on December 31, 2014 equal to $2,000,000 less the cash proceeds received from the noteholder’s subsequent sale of the common stock shares issued less the value of any remaining unsold shares held by the noteholder on December 15, 2014. The value of the remaining unsold shares held by the noteholder will be determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on December 15, 2014 multiplied by the number of remaining unsold shares as of December 15, 2014. We determined the contingent obligation to make an additional payment to ultimately satisfy the debt obligation was a derivative liability. The derivative's fair value was $789,276 at September 30, 2014, and $250,000 at December 31, 2013. The recognized loss on the change in fair value of the derivative liability for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 was $372,804 and $535,851, respectively, and was included as a component of change in fair value of derivatives in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Gold Call Option and Forward Derivatives - During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company entered into separate gold forward and call option derivative contracts related to future gold sales with its primary customer. Premiums received at the inception of written gold call options are recorded as a liability and totaled $52,510 at September 30, 2014. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, the Company recognized a loss of $11,139 and $11,227, respectively, on the change in fair value of the gold forward derivatives. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, the Company recognized a gain of $20,965 and a loss of $41,283 on the change in fair value of the call option derivatives. The recognized gains and losses were included as a component of mining revenues as the contracts relate to gold sales. The gold forward and call option derivative contracts outstanding at September 30, 2014 covered a total of 1,838 and 4,200 gold ounces with an average price of $1,210 and $1,295 per ounce, respectively, and are expected to settle or expire within five months.

LongTerm_Reclamation_Liability

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset	'
	Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset
	Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate reclamation liability associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period	$	5,424,410		$	4,597,156
	Additional obligations incurred	—			531,770
	Accretion of reclamation liability	257,915			295,484
	Long-term reclamation liability — end of period	$	5,682,325		$	5,424,410
	Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate retirement obligation asset associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period	$	2,491,956		$	2,803,318
	Additional obligations incurred	—			531,770
	Amortization of retirement obligation asset	(754,214		)	(843,132		)
	Retirement obligation asset — end of period	$	1,737,742		$	2,491,956

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	'
	Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:
	Note Description	September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Note Payable (Auramet Facility)	$	3,571,428		$	—
	Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)	3,826,566			2,311,595
	Note Payable (Dayton Resource Area)	—			125,000
	Note Payable (Donovan Property)	583,785			611,870
	Note Payable (Gold Hill Hotel)	282,891			296,496
	Note Payable (White House)	287,920			291,811
	Note Payable (Railroad & Gold Property)	211,412			220,618
	Notes Payable - Other	363,238			403,278
	Capital Lease Obligations	3,102,351			3,646,806
	Subtotal	12,229,591			7,907,474
	Less current portion	(6,770,601		)	(2,675,800		)
	Long-term portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	5,458,990		$	5,231,674
	On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a new $5 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Auramet International, LLC ("Auramet"), pursuant to which the Company may have borrowings up to $5 million outstanding at any given time. The proceeds of the Revolving Credit Facility have been or will be used for working capital, including production ramp up and preparations for expansion of the Lucerne Mine, including targeted drilling on the east side of the Lucerne Resource area. Interest is payable at 9.5% per annum, and was paid in advance on the closing date of the Revolving Credit Facility. The indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a security interest in certain real estate owned by the Company within the Company’s starter mine and a first priority security interest in all personal property of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary Comstock Mining LLC, subject to any existing or future Permitted Liens (as defined under the Revolving Credit Facility). Provided that no default has occurred and is continuing, and the Company has already repaid the principal amount of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility in an amount of not less than $1,000,000, the Company had the option until October 6, 2014 to re-borrow funds under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility contains a covenant that requires the Company to maintain a minimum liquidity balance of $1 million (including cash and cash equivalents, plus 90% of the value of any doré that has been picked up by a secured carrier but not yet paid for, as of any date of determination). The Revolving Credit Facility additionally contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, and events of default, as well as conditions to borrowings. On February 12, 2014, the Company drew the entire line representing cash proceeds of approximately $4.6 million, net of prepaid interest and fees of approximately $0.4 million recognized as a component of prepaid assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and amortized over the life of the payment terms using the effective interest rate method. In addition, the Company paid Auramet additional loan fees of approximately $0.3 million via the issuance of 137,105 shares of common stock included as a component of prepaid assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company further agreed to make additional loan fee payments if the value of 63,505 of such shares of common stock issued to Auramet is less than $123,835. This resulted in the recognition of a contingent debt obligation payment derivative (see footnote 4). The Revolving Credit Facility will be repaid through 14 bi-weekly cash payments of $357,143 beginning August 8, 2014 and ending February 6, 2015. On October 9, 2014, the Company and Auramet agreed to extend the facility from the current maturity of February 6, 2015, an additional year, to February 5, 2016. As of September 30, 2014, there were no additional funds drawn by the Company under the Revolving Credit Facility.
	On March 26, 2014, the Company entered into two notes payable agreements with Caterpillar in the amount of $1,280,144 for the purchase of mining vehicles and equipment, the recourse with respect to which is limited solely to such vehicles and equipment. The notes bear interest rate at 4.7% and are payable in monthly installments of $15,553 and $13,754, respectively, with final remaining principal payments due on March 26, 2018. In addition, the Company financed a mining vehicle with a cost of $34,500 included in other notes payable.
	On July 23, 2014, the Company entered into two notes payable agreements with Caterpillar in the amount of $1,661,450 for the purchase of mining vehicles and equipment. The notes bear interest rate at 1.13% and 4.18%, respectively. The two notes are payable in monthly installments of $7,575 and $29,592 with final remaining principal payments due in August 2018. In addition, the Company financed property with a cost of $30,000 included in other notes payable.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued 904,836 shares of common stock from the conversion of 1,493 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. There were no conversions of A-1 or A-2 Preferred Shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company also declared and issued 2,254,599 shares of common stock at par value as dividends on outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock. In addition, 1,777,000 shares of restricted stock vested under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	In May 2014, the Company issued 7,475,000 shares of common stock to investors at a price per share of $1.59. As a result of the offering, the Company received net cash proceeds of approximately $11.0 million. For additional information related to this offering please see our Prospectus Supplement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 9, 2014.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company entered into various agreements to purchase land and buildings near its mining and processing areas. The purchase price of all properties total $2,845,000. The price was comprised of $97,000 in cash payments and $2,748,000 in Company restricted common stock. The Company issued 1,402,651 restricted shares of common stock towards the purchase of these properties. No transfer of deed will take place prior to sellers receiving the proceeds from the sale of shares. As of September 30, 2014, no transfer of deed has occurred under the agreement. Accordingly, the related properties and equity issued were not given accounting consideration in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	On June 26, 2014, the Company closed escrow on the purchase of additional land lots. The purchase included the issuance of 88,888 shares of common stock with a fair value of $149,332. On September 9, 2014, the Company closed escrow on the purchase of 435 acres of land. The purchase included the issuance of 468,750 shares of common stock with a fair value of $665,625.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that could be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements do not include transaction costs.  A fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.  Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:
	Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs corroborated by market data.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	The following table presents our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
				Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2014
		Total		Quoted		Significant		Significant
				Prices		Other		Unobservable
				in Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Liabilities:
	Contingent debt obligation payment	832,845		—		832,845		—
	Gold call options and forwards derivative	52,510		—		52,510		—
	Total Liabilities	$	885,355	$	—	$	885,355	$	—
	The following table presents our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Total		Quoted		Significant		Significant
				Prices		Other		Unobservable
				in Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Liabilities:
	Contingent debt obligation payment	$	250,000	$	—	$	250,000	$	—
	Total Liabilities	$	250,000	$	—	$	250,000	$	—
	We had no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and twelve months ended December 31, 2013, there were no transfers of assets or liabilities between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.
	Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
	Contingent debt obligation payment derivative - The Company’s contingent debt obligation payment derivative is valued based on a Black-Scholes model with various observable inputs. These inputs include contractual terms, stock price, volatility, dividend yield, and risk free interest rates. This derivative is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
	Gold call option, forward, and collar options - The Company’s gold forward, call options, and gold collar derivatives are valued based on a Black-Scholes model with various observable inputs. These inputs include contractual terms, gold market prices, volatility of gold prices, and risk free interest rates. These derivatives are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
	The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents and trade payables approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these financial instruments. At September 30, 2014, the fair value of long-term debt and capital lease obligations approximated $12.2 million, as determined by borrowing rates estimated to be available to us for debt with similar terms and conditions.

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share

Net Loss Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Loss Per Common Share	'
	Net Loss Per Common Share
	Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options, warrants, and convertible securities were exercised or converted into common stock. Diluted loss per share equals basic loss per share as the effect of including dilutive securities in the calculation would be antidilutive.
	The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the basic and diluted computation of net loss per share:
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(1,048,758	)		$	(4,518,260	)	$	(8,262,325	)	$	(15,805,617	)
	Preferred stock dividends	(931,680		)		(973,123		)	(2,802,769		)	(3,037,165		)
	Loss available to common shareholders	$	(1,980,438	)		$	(5,491,383	)	$	(11,065,094	)	$	(18,842,782	)
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	82,912,805				63,981,943			77,065,692			57,742,461
	Effect of dilutive securities	—				—			—			—
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	82,912,805				63,981,943			77,065,692			57,742,461
	Net loss per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.02	)		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.33	)
	Diluted	$	(0.02	)		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.33	)
	The following table includes the number of common stock equivalent shares that are not included in the computation of diluted loss per share, because the Company has a net loss and the inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive or certain performance conditions have not been achieved.
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Convertible preferred stock	53,653,703			53,622,773
	Stock Options and Warrants	583,500			783,500
	Restricted stock	1,796,600			4,673,200
		56,033,803			59,079,473

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company has minimum third party lease obligations with respect to certain of its mineral properties and related party leases. Minimum annual third party lease payments are $52,400 and annual related party lease payments are $880,500. For most of the mineral properties and leases, the Company is subject to a range of royalty obligations from 0.5% to 6% of net smelter revenues from minerals produced on the properties. Certain factors that will influence the amount of the royalties include ounces extracted and prices of gold.
	Included in the related party leases is an operating agreement with Northern Comstock LLC; a related party and an entity controlled by a member of the Board of Directors. The terms of this agreement provide that the Company will make a total of $34.5 million in annual payments of $862,500, in the form of either cash or Series A-1 preferred stock. The operating agreement requires these payments, at least annually, through October 2049. At September 30, 2014, $31.05 million remained due and may be prepaid without penalty.
	On October 20, 2010, the Company exchanged all of its senior secured convertible and senior indebtedness owed to members of the Winfield Group, shareholders of the Company, for newly created Series A-1 preferred stock. As part of the exchange, the Company agreed to indemnify the Winfield Group for any amounts as part of the exchange that were determined to be taxable as ordinary income to each member of the Winfield Group. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded an accrual loss contingency provision in 2010. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, a portion of the indemnity has lapsed, and accordingly, the Company recognized a reduction in the loss contingency accrual of approximately $1 million which is included in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. The Company conducts its operations so as to protect the public health and environment and believes its operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations, but cannot predict the full amount of such future expenditures.
	From time to time, we are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. There are no matters pending that we expect to have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	Our management organizes the Company into two operating segments, mining and hospitality. Our mining segment consists of all activities and expenditures associated with mining. Our hospitality segment consists of hotel rooms, cottages, restaurant, bar and other services provided by Gold Hill Hotel.  We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on operating income (loss). All intercompany transactions have been eliminated, and intersegment revenues are not significant. Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliation to the consolidated totals is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue
	Mining	$	6,513,348		$	6,607,132		$	18,098,395		$	17,086,569
	Hospitality	274,201			211,646			668,530			507,883
	Total revenue	6,787,549			6,818,778			18,766,925			17,594,452
	Cost and Expenses
	Mining	(7,886,550		)	(10,947,870		)	(25,779,216		)	(32,666,736		)
	Hospitality	(331,613		)	(313,653		)	(922,758		)	(773,577		)
	Total cost and expenses	(8,218,163		)	(11,261,523		)	(26,701,974		)	(33,440,313		)
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Mining	(1,373,202		)	(4,340,738		)	(7,680,821		)	(15,580,167		)
	Hospitality	(57,412		)	(102,007		)	(254,228		)	(265,694		)
	Total loss from operations	(1,430,614		)	(4,442,745		)	(7,935,049		)	(15,845,861		)
	Other income (expense), net	381,856			(75,515		)	(327,276		)	40,244
	Net loss	$	(1,048,758	)	$	(4,518,260	)	$	(8,262,325	)	$	(15,805,617	)
	Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
	Mining	$	1,735,195		$	1,156,022		$	4,969,374		$	3,217,465
	Hospitality	24,204			34,110			89,158			98,946
	Total depreciation, amortization and depletion	$	1,759,399		$	1,190,132		$	5,058,532		$	3,316,411
	Capital Expenditures
	Mining	$	2,815,573		$	6,541,845		$	4,906,700		$	7,803,871
	Hospitality	—			30,447			83,477			30,447
	Total capital expenditures	$	2,815,573		$	6,572,292		$	4,990,177		$	7,834,318
		As of September 30,			As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets
	Mining	$	48,393,954		$	42,841,452
	Hospitality	1,159,493			1,158,544
	Total assets	$	49,553,447		$	43,999,996

Interim_Financial_Statements_P

Interim Financial Statements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenditures during the reported periods. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Estimates may include those pertaining to valuation of inventories, stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads, the estimated useful lives and valuation of plant and equipment, mineral rights, deferred tax assets, convertible preferred stock, derivative assets and liabilities, reclamation liabilities, stock-based compensation and payments, and contingent liabilities.
Derivative Liabilities	'
	Derivative Liabilities
	Derivative liabilities are recorded at fair value when issued and the subsequent change in fair value each period is recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We do not hold or issue any derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
	The Company manages its exposure to changes in gold market prices by entering into various derivative contracts including gold forward contracts, gold call option contracts, and gold collar option contracts currently with open written calls and purchased puts. Depending on the specific nature of each of the derivative contracts, the changes in the fair value are recognized as either a component of revenue or other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	The Company has contingent debt obligation payment derivatives whereby it may be required to make additional future cash payments for some of its debt obligations. The changes in the fair value of these contingent debt obligation liabilities are recognized as a component of other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
General and Administrative Expense Presentation	'
	General and Administrative Expense Presentation
	The amounts for consultants and professional fees in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation wherein these amounts are recorded within the general and administrative line item. In prior periods, all consultants and professional fees were recorded within a separate consultants and professional fees line item.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, if any. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for which we do not consider realization of such deferred tax assets to be more likely than not. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for its net deferred tax assets as it cannot conclude it is more likely than not that they will be realized.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 that introduces a new five-step revenue recognition model in which an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15. This ASU requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the ASU (1) provides a definition of the term substantial doubt, (2) requires an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, (3) provides principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) requires certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) requires an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) requires an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). This standard is effective for the fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Inventories_Stockpiles_and_Min1

Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory	'
	Inventories, stockpiles and mineralized materials on leach pads consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	In-process	$	788,727	$	591,961
	Finished goods	—		—
	Total inventories	$	788,727	$	591,961
	Stockpiles	$	78,620	$	45,455
	Mineralized material on leach pads	652,210		502,025
	Total stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads	$	730,830	$	547,480
	Total	$	1,519,557	$	1,139,441

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivatives	'
	Derivative financial instruments consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
	Derivative Type	2014		2013
	Derivative liabilities
	Contingent debt obligation payment	$	832,845	$	250,000
	Gold call options and forwards	52,510		—
	Total derivative liabilities	$	885,355	$	250,000

LongTerm_Reclamation_Liability1

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Noncurrent Liabilities	'
	Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate reclamation liability associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Long-term reclamation liability — beginning of period	$	5,424,410		$	4,597,156
	Additional obligations incurred	—			531,770
	Accretion of reclamation liability	257,915			295,484
	Long-term reclamation liability — end of period	$	5,682,325		$	5,424,410
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	Following is a reconciliation of the aggregate retirement obligation asset associated with our reclamation plan for our mining projects:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Retirement obligation asset — beginning of period	$	2,491,956		$	2,803,318
	Additional obligations incurred	—			531,770
	Amortization of retirement obligation asset	(754,214		)	(843,132		)
	Retirement obligation asset — end of period	$	1,737,742		$	2,491,956

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas1

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	'
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:
	Note Description	September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Note Payable (Auramet Facility)	$	3,571,428		$	—
	Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)	3,826,566			2,311,595
	Note Payable (Dayton Resource Area)	—			125,000
	Note Payable (Donovan Property)	583,785			611,870
	Note Payable (Gold Hill Hotel)	282,891			296,496
	Note Payable (White House)	287,920			291,811
	Note Payable (Railroad & Gold Property)	211,412			220,618
	Notes Payable - Other	363,238			403,278
	Capital Lease Obligations	3,102,351			3,646,806
	Subtotal	12,229,591			7,907,474
	Less current portion	(6,770,601		)	(2,675,800		)
	Long-term portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	5,458,990		$	5,231,674

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
				Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2014
		Total		Quoted		Significant		Significant
				Prices		Other		Unobservable
				in Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Liabilities:
	Contingent debt obligation payment	832,845		—		832,845		—
	Gold call options and forwards derivative	52,510		—		52,510		—
	Total Liabilities	$	885,355	$	—	$	885,355	$	—
	The following table presents our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Total		Quoted		Significant		Significant
				Prices		Other		Unobservable
				in Active		Observable		Inputs
				Markets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Liabilities:
	Contingent debt obligation payment	$	250,000	$	—	$	250,000	$	—
	Total Liabilities	$	250,000	$	—	$	250,000	$	—

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Net Loss Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Numerator and Denominator used in Basic and Diluted Computation of New Loss Per Share	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the basic and diluted computation of net loss per share:
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(1,048,758	)		$	(4,518,260	)	$	(8,262,325	)	$	(15,805,617	)
	Preferred stock dividends	(931,680		)		(973,123		)	(2,802,769		)	(3,037,165		)
	Loss available to common shareholders	$	(1,980,438	)		$	(5,491,383	)	$	(11,065,094	)	$	(18,842,782	)
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	82,912,805				63,981,943			77,065,692			57,742,461
	Effect of dilutive securities	—				—			—			—
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	82,912,805				63,981,943			77,065,692			57,742,461
	Net loss per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.02	)		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.33	)
	Diluted	$	(0.02	)		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.33	)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table includes the number of common stock equivalent shares that are not included in the computation of diluted loss per share, because the Company has a net loss and the inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive or certain performance conditions have not been achieved.
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Convertible preferred stock	53,653,703			53,622,773
	Stock Options and Warrants	583,500			783,500
	Restricted stock	1,796,600			4,673,200
		56,033,803			59,079,473

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Financial Information Relating to Reportable Operating Segments and Reconciliation to Condensed Consolidated Totals	'
	Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliation to the consolidated totals is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue
	Mining	$	6,513,348		$	6,607,132		$	18,098,395		$	17,086,569
	Hospitality	274,201			211,646			668,530			507,883
	Total revenue	6,787,549			6,818,778			18,766,925			17,594,452
	Cost and Expenses
	Mining	(7,886,550		)	(10,947,870		)	(25,779,216		)	(32,666,736		)
	Hospitality	(331,613		)	(313,653		)	(922,758		)	(773,577		)
	Total cost and expenses	(8,218,163		)	(11,261,523		)	(26,701,974		)	(33,440,313		)
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Mining	(1,373,202		)	(4,340,738		)	(7,680,821		)	(15,580,167		)
	Hospitality	(57,412		)	(102,007		)	(254,228		)	(265,694		)
	Total loss from operations	(1,430,614		)	(4,442,745		)	(7,935,049		)	(15,845,861		)
	Other income (expense), net	381,856			(75,515		)	(327,276		)	40,244
	Net loss	$	(1,048,758	)	$	(4,518,260	)	$	(8,262,325	)	$	(15,805,617	)
	Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
	Mining	$	1,735,195		$	1,156,022		$	4,969,374		$	3,217,465
	Hospitality	24,204			34,110			89,158			98,946
	Total depreciation, amortization and depletion	$	1,759,399		$	1,190,132		$	5,058,532		$	3,316,411
	Capital Expenditures
	Mining	$	2,815,573		$	6,541,845		$	4,906,700		$	7,803,871
	Hospitality	—			30,447			83,477			30,447
	Total capital expenditures	$	2,815,573		$	6,572,292		$	4,990,177		$	7,834,318
		As of September 30,			As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets
	Mining	$	48,393,954		$	42,841,452
	Hospitality	1,159,493			1,158,544
	Total assets	$	49,553,447		$	43,999,996

Interim_Financial_Statements_D

Interim Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	14-May-14	31-May-14	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 09, 2014
			oz		oz				Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
									Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility, borrowing capacity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,000,000
Ounces of gold sold during the period	'	'	4,997	'	14,267	'	'	'	'
Gold revenue	'	'	6,513,348	6,607,132	18,098,395	17,086,569	'	'	'
Ounces of silver sold during the period	'	'	61,001	'	158,731	'	'	'	'
Silver sales	'	'	1,200,000	'	3,100,000	'	'	'	'
Accumulated deficit	'	'	-187,232,660	'	-187,232,660	'	-178,970,335	'	'
Net loss	'	'	-1,048,758	-4,518,260	-8,262,325	-15,805,617	'	'	'
Net cash used in operating activities	'	'	'	'	-2,594,280	-11,589,062	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	9,262,254	5,860,193	9,262,254	5,860,193	2,409,446	5,973,079	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, gross	11,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses	'	$11,000,000	'	'	$10,993,283	$18,750,001	'	'	'
Shares underwritten in public offering (in shares)	'	7,475,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Price of shares underwritten (in usd per share)	$1.59	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Inventories_Stockpiles_and_Min2

Inventories, Stockpiles and Mineralized Material on Leach Pads (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
In-process	$788,727	$591,961
Finished goods	0	0
Total inventories	788,727	591,961
Stockpiles	78,620	45,455
Mineralized material on leach pads	652,210	502,025
Total stockpiles and mineralized material on leach pads	730,830	547,480
Total	$1,519,557	$1,139,441

Properties_Plant_and_Equipment1

Properties, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
		lot
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	$5,000,000	'
Capital expenditures for design and construction	'	1,000,000	'
Escrow amount closed on purchase of property	'	1,000,000	'
Number of lots purchased near mining and processing operation (in lots)	'	5	'
Depreciation expense	1,500,000	4,100,000	'
Loss on sale of properties, plant, and equipment	'	-45,499	-1,015,496
Vehicles and Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	3,000,000	'
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	'	4,300,000
Design and Construction [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	'	2,500,000
Vehicles [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sale of vehicles, gross book value	'	'	3,200,000
Loss on sale of properties, plant, and equipment	'	'	($1,000,000)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Derivatives) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative liabilities	$885,355	$250,000
Contingent debt obligation payment	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative liabilities	832,845	250,000
Gold call options and forwards	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivative liabilities	$52,510	$0

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 12, 2014

Feb. 12, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 11, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Gold call options and forwards

Gold call options and forwards

Contingent debt obligation payment

Contingent debt obligation payment

Note Payable (Auramet Facility)

Note Payable (Auramet Facility)

Note Payable (Auramet Facility)

Note Payable (Auramet Facility)

Note Payable (Auramet Facility)

Note Payable (Dayton Resource Area)

Note Payable (Dayton Resource Area)

Note Payable (Dayton Resource Area)

Gold call options and forwards

Call Option [Member]

Call Option [Member]

Forward Contracts [Member]

Forward Contracts [Member]

Contingent debt obligation payment

Contingent debt obligation payment

Contingent debt obligation payment

Contingent debt obligation payment

Contingent debt obligation payment

Contingent debt obligation payment

Contingent debt obligation payment

Gold call options and forwards

Gold call options and forwards

Gold call options and forwards

Gold call options and forwards

oz

oz

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares issued in satisfaction of loan fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

137,105

137,105

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Grant date fair value of shares issued for extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$274,210

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional shares of common stock to be issued for loan fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

63,505

63,505

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guaranteed value of stock issued for loan fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

123,835

123,835

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative liability fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

46,994

46,994

'

789,276

789,276

250,000

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) on derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-25,612

-46,994

'

-372,804

-535,851

'

'

20,965

-41,283

-11,139

-11,227

Total derivative liabilities

885,355

250,000

52,510

0

832,845

250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

52,510

'

'

'

'

Shares issued in satisfaction of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Value of shares issued in satisfaction of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Additional Future Payment to Noteholder less Cash Proceeds Received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,000,000

$2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of gold ounces covered by contract

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,200

'

1,838

Average forward price (in dollars per oz)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,295

1,295

1,210

1,210

LongTerm_Reclamation_Liability2

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset (Reconciliation of Aggregate Retirement Liability) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Mine Reclamation and Closing Liability [Roll Forward]	'	'
Long-term reclamation liability b beginning of period	$5,424,410	$4,597,156
Additional obligations incurred	0	531,770
Accretion of reclamation liability	257,915	295,484
Long-term reclamation liability b end of period	$5,682,325	$5,424,410

LongTerm_Reclamation_Liability3

Long-Term Reclamation Liability and Retirement Obligation Asset (Reconciliation of Aggregate Retirement Asset) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]	'	'
Retirement obligation asset b beginning of period	$2,491,956	$2,803,318
Additional obligations incurred	0	531,770
Amortization of retirement obligation asset	-754,214	-843,132
Retirement obligation asset b end of period	$1,737,742	$2,491,956

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas2

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	$12,229,591	$7,907,474
Less current portion	-6,770,601	-2,675,800
Long-term portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	5,458,990	5,231,674
Capital Lease Obligations	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	3,102,351	3,646,806
Note Payable (Auramet Facility)	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	3,571,428	0
Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment)	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	3,826,566	2,311,595
Note Payable (Dayton Resource Area)	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	0	125,000
Note Payable (Donovan Property)	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	583,785	611,870
Note Payable (Gold Hill Hotel)	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	282,891	296,496
Note Payable (White House)	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	287,920	291,811
Note Payable (Railroad & Gold Property)	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	211,412	220,618
Notes Payable - Other	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Subtotal	$363,238	$403,278

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas3

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Long-Term Debt Obligations) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 12, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 11, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 26, 2014

Mar. 26, 2014

Mar. 26, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 23, 2014

Mar. 26, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 23, 2014

Jul. 23, 2014

Jul. 23, 2014

Jul. 23, 2014

Jul. 23, 2014

Feb. 12, 2014

Note Payable (Auramet Facility)

Note Payable (Auramet Facility)

Note Payable (Auramet Facility)

Note Payable (Auramet Facility)

Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment Facility) [Member]

Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment Facility 3), Agreement 1 [Member]

Note Payable (Caterpillar Equipment Facility 3), Agreement 2 [Member]

Notes Payable - Other

Notes Payable - Other

Notes Payable - Other

Notes Payable - Other

Note Payable, (Caterpillar Equipment Facility 4) [Member]

Note Payable, (Caterpillar Equipment Facility 4), Agreement 1 [Member]

Note Payable, (Caterpillar Equipment Facility 4), Agreement 1 [Member]

Note Payable, (Caterpillar Equipment Facility 4), Agreement 2 [Member]

Note Payable, (Caterpillar Equipment Facility 4), Agreement 2 [Member]

Prepaid Expenses [Member]

payment

agreement

agreement

Note Payable (Auramet Facility)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

$5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note payable, interest rate

'

'

'

'

9.50%

'

4.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.13%

'

4.18%

'

Repayments of debt

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant compliance, required liquidity amount

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant compliance, percentage of dore included in liquidity amount

'

'

'

'

90.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts borrowed on facility

'

'

4,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of line of credit drawn in prepaid assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

Loan fees paid

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares issued in satisfaction of loan fees

'

'

137,105

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional shares of common stock to be issued for loan fees

'

'

63,505

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guaranteed value of stock issued for loan fees

'

'

123,835

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of cash payments

'

'

14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Periodic installments amount

'

'

357,143

'

'

'

'

15,553

13,754

'

'

'

'

'

7,575

'

29,592

'

'

Number of notes payable agreements entered into

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

Long term debt and capital lease obligations

12,229,591

7,907,474

'

3,571,428

'

0

1,280,144

'

'

363,238

'

'

403,278

1,661,450

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable for financing of mining vehicle and property

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$30,000

$34,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended					0 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 09, 2014	Jun. 26, 2014
				Common Stock [Member]	7.5% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Agreements to Purchase Land and Buildings [Member]	Acquisition Of Five Vacant Lots [Member]	Acquisition Of Five Vacant Lots [Member]
								acre
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued upon conversion of convertible preferred stock	'	'	'	904,836	'	'	'	'
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock, shares	'	'	'	'	1,493	'	'	'
Common stock declared and issued	'	'	'	2,254,599	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock awards vested in period	'	1,777,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares underwritten in public offering (in shares)	7,475,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Price of shares underwritten (in usd per share)	$1.59	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses	$11,000,000	$10,993,283	$18,750,001	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price for land and buildings	'	'	'	'	'	2,845,000	'	'
Payments for Acquisition of Buildings and Land	'	'	'	'	'	97,000	'	'
Purchase of properties, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'	$2,748,000	$665,625	$149,332
Stock issued during period for purchase of assets (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	1,402,651	468,750	88,888
Area of land purchased (in acres)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	435

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Liabilities:	'	'
Fair value of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$12,200,000	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Total Liabilities	885,355	250,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Contingent debt obligation payment	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	832,845	250,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Gold call options and forwards	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	52,510	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Total Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Contingent debt obligation payment	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Gold call options and forwards	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	0	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Total Liabilities	885,355	250,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Contingent debt obligation payment	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	832,845	250,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Gold call options and forwards	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	52,510	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Total Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Contingent debt obligation payment	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Gold call options and forwards	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liability	$0	'

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share_Reco

Net Loss Per Common Share (Reconciliation of Net Loss Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($1,048,758)	($4,518,260)	($8,262,325)	($15,805,617)
Preferred stock dividends	-931,680	-973,123	-2,802,769	-3,037,165
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	($1,980,438)	($5,491,383)	($11,065,094)	($18,842,782)
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding b basic	82,912,805	63,981,943	77,065,692	57,742,461
Effect of dilutive securities	0	0	0	0
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	82,912,805	63,981,943	77,065,692	57,742,461
Net loss per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.02)	($0.09)	($0.14)	($0.33)
Diluted	($0.02)	($0.09)	($0.14)	($0.33)

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share_Sche

Net Loss Per Common Share (Schedule of Excluded Common Stock Equivalent Shares) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	56,033,803	59,079,473
Convertible preferred stock	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	53,653,703	53,622,773
Stock Options and Warrants	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	583,500	783,500
Restricted stock	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	1,796,600	4,673,200

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Third Party [Member]	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Minimum annual lease payments	$52,400
Affiliated Entity [Member]	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Minimum annual lease payments	880,500
Amount of commitment	34,500,000
Annual lease payment	862,500
Operating lease, future minimum payments	31,050,000
Minimum [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Percentage of royalty obligations	0.50%
Maximum [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Percentage of royalty obligations	6.00%
Winfield Group Indemnity [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Loss contingency accrual	$1,000,000

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	2	'	'
Revenue	$6,787,549	$6,818,778	$18,766,925	$17,594,452	'
Cost and Expenses	-8,218,163	-11,261,523	-26,701,974	-33,440,313	'
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	-1,430,614	-4,442,745	-7,935,049	-15,845,861	'
Other income (expense), net	381,856	-75,515	-327,276	40,244	'
NET LOSS	-1,048,758	-4,518,260	-8,262,325	-15,805,617	'
Depreciation, amortization and depletion	1,759,399	1,190,132	5,058,532	3,316,411	'
Capital Expenditures	2,815,573	6,572,292	4,990,177	7,834,318	'
Assets	49,553,447	'	49,553,447	'	43,999,996
Mining [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	6,513,348	6,607,132	18,098,395	17,086,569	'
Cost and Expenses	-7,886,550	-10,947,870	-25,779,216	-32,666,736	'
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	-1,373,202	-4,340,738	-7,680,821	-15,580,167	'
Depreciation, amortization and depletion	1,735,195	1,156,022	4,969,374	3,217,465	'
Capital Expenditures	2,815,573	6,541,845	4,906,700	7,803,871	'
Assets	48,393,954	'	48,393,954	'	42,841,452
Hospitality [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	274,201	211,646	668,530	507,883	'
Cost and Expenses	-331,613	-313,653	-922,758	-773,577	'
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	-57,412	-102,007	-254,228	-265,694	'
Depreciation, amortization and depletion	24,204	34,110	89,158	98,946	'
Capital Expenditures	0	30,447	83,477	30,447	'
Assets	$1,159,493	'	$1,159,493	'	$1,158,544