NovaGold Resources (NG) 10-K 24 Jan 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Jan. 17, 2018	May 31, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,173,420
Trading Symbol	ng
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--11-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		322,294,889
Entity Public Float			$ 931,748
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Nov. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 27,954	$ 30,274
Term deposits	56,000	75,000
Other assets (note 7)	883	2,064
Current assets	84,837	107,338
Mineral property (note 6)	45,179	43,359
Deferred income taxes (note 12)	9,761	9,397
Other assets (note 7)	6,531	5,812
Total assets	398,869	408,261
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	727	652
Accrued payroll and related benefits	2,513	2,185
Other liabilities	182	214
Current liabilities	3,422	3,051
Promissory note (note 8)	90,040	84,812
Deferred income taxes (note 12)	21,378	20,135
Total liabilities	114,840	107,998
Commitments and contingencies (note 17)
EQUITY
Common shares: Authorized – 1,000 million shares, no par value; Issued and outstanding – 322.2 and 320.0 million shares, respectively	1,951,587	1,942,451
Contributed surplus	83,534	82,573
Accumulated deficit	(1,744,917)	(1,705,901)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,175)	(18,860)
Total equity	284,029	300,263
Total liabilities and equity	398,869	408,261
Donlin Gold [Member]
ASSETS
Investment	1,100	951
Galore Creek [Member]
ASSETS
Investment	$ 251,461	$ 241,404

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares $ / shares in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Common shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common shares issued (in shares)	322,219,187	320,015,809
Common shares outstanding (in shares)	322,219,187	320,015,809

Consolidated Statements of Loss

Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Operating expenses:
Equity loss	$ 12,895	$ 9,968	$ 11,408
General and administrative (note 10)	20,802	20,179	19,922
Studies and evaluation			366
	33,697	30,147	31,696
Loss from operations	(33,697)	(30,147)	(31,696)
Other income (expense) (note 11)	(4,587)	(3,422)	(103)
Loss before income taxes	(38,284)	(33,569)	(31,799)
Income tax expense (note 12)	(732)	(277)	(153)
Net loss	(39,016)	(33,846)	(31,952)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable securities during period	271	477	(227)
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net loss (note 15)	0		426
Net unrealized gain, net of $43, $69 and $2 tax expense	271	477	199
Foreign currency translation adjustments	12,414	(1,652)	(52,729)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	12,685	(1,175)	(52,530)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (26,331)	$ (35,021)	$ (84,482)
Net loss per common share
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.10)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic and diluted (in shares)	321,659	319,774	317,850
Donlin Gold [Member]
Operating expenses:
Equity loss	$ 11,219	$ 8,819	$ 11,016
Galore Creek [Member]
Operating expenses:
Equity loss	$ 1,676	$ 1,149	$ 392

Consolidated Statements of Los5

Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Net unrealized gain, tax expense	$ 43	$ 69	$ 2

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Operating activities:
Net loss	$ (39,016)	$ (33,846)	$ (31,952)
Adjustments:
Equity losses of affiliates	12,895	9,968	11,408
Share-based compensation	10,293	10,263	9,488
Interest on promissory note	5,228	4,551	4,108
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)	382	(69)	(2)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	531	(182)	(4,771)
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments			426
Other	4	97	237
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other assets	1,063	2,259	908
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	52	(324)	(87)
Accrued payroll and related benefits	320	99	(188)
Other liabilities	(32)	(237)	(174)
Net cash used in operating activities	(8,280)	(7,421)	(10,599)
Investing activities:
Proceeds from term deposits	151,900	100,000	135,000
Purchases of term deposits	(132,900)	(90,000)	(125,000)
Funding of affiliates	(12,968)	(9,732)	(10,964)
Other	(28)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	6,004	268	(964)
Financing activities:
Withholding tax on share-based compensation	(196)	(4,275)	(827)
Repayment of debt			(15,829)
Net cash used in financing activities	(196)	(4,275)	(16,656)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	152	(29)	(375)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(2,320)	(11,457)	(28,594)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	30,274	41,731	70,325
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 27,954	$ 30,274	$ 41,731

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Performance Share Units [Member]Common Stock [Member]	Performance Share Units [Member]Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Performance Share Units [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]	Performance Share Units [Member]AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Performance Share Units [Member]	Deferred Share Units [Member]Common Stock [Member]	Deferred Share Units [Member]Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Deferred Share Units [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]	Deferred Share Units [Member]AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Deferred Share Units [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2014											317,288
Balance at Nov. 30, 2014											$ 1,936,336	$ 74,038	$ (1,640,103)	$ 34,845	$ 405,116
Share-based compensation												9,488			9,488
Share-based awards settled in shares (in shares)	506				506
Share-based awards settled in shares	$ 1,507	$ (1,507)
Stock options exercised (in shares)											116
Stock options exercised											$ 419	(419)
Withholding tax on PSUs												(826)			(826)
Net loss													(31,952)		(31,952)
Other comprehensive income (loss)														(52,530)	(52,530)
Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2015											317,910
Balance at Nov. 30, 2015											$ 1,938,262	80,774	(1,672,055)	(17,685)	329,296
Share-based compensation												10,263			10,263
Share-based awards settled in shares (in shares)	1,377				1,377
Share-based awards settled in shares	$ 2,679	(2,679)
Stock options exercised (in shares)											729
Stock options exercised											$ 1,510	(1,510)
Withholding tax on PSUs												(4,275)			(4,275)
Net loss													(33,846)		(33,846)
Other comprehensive income (loss)														(1,175)	(1,175)
Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2016											320,016
Balance at Nov. 30, 2016											$ 1,942,451	82,573	(1,705,901)	(18,860)	300,263
Share-based compensation												10,293			$ 10,293
Share-based awards settled in shares (in shares)	1,513				1,513	28
Share-based awards settled in shares	$ 4,000	$ (4,000)				$ 122	$ (122)
Stock options exercised (in shares)											662				3,554
Stock options exercised											$ 5,014	(5,014)
Withholding tax on PSUs												(196)			(196)
Net loss													(39,016)		(39,016)
Other comprehensive income (loss)														12,685	12,685
Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2017											322,219
Balance at Nov. 30, 2017											$ 1,951,587	$ 83,534	$ (1,744,917)	$ (6,175)	$ 284,029

Note 1 - The Company

Note 1 - The Company	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	NOTE 1 NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively, “NOVAGOLD” or the “Company”) operate in the mining industry, focused on the exploration for and development of gold and copper mineral properties. The Company has no 50% 50% 50%

Note 2 - Summary of Significant

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	NOTE 2 Presentation These Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in United States dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP). References in these Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to $ refer to United States dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars. Dollar amounts are in thousands, except for per share amounts. Use of estimates The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with US GAAP requires the Company 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 Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions include: investments in affiliates; mineral properties; income taxes; and share-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from the amounts estimated in these Consolidated Financial Statements. Principles of consolidation The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements include NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries include NOVAGOLD Canada Inc., Copper Canyon Resources Ltd., NOVAGOLD U.S. Holdings Inc., NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska Inc., NOVAGOLD USA, Inc., and AGC Resources Inc. All inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation. The functional currency for the Company’s Canadian operations is the Canadian dollar and the functional currency for the Company’s U.S. operations is the U.S. dollar. Therefore, gains and losses on U.S. dollar denominated transactions and the effect of translating U.S. dollar denominated balances of Canadian operations are recorded in net loss. The effects of translating the Company’s Canadian operations from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss). Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consists of cash balances and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three Term deposits The Company’s term deposits are classified as held to maturity and recorded at cost. Term deposits are held at Chartered Canadian banks with original maturities of 12 not Investment in affiliates Investments in unconsolidated ventures over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not 50/50 not The equity method is a basis of accounting for investments whereby the investment is initially recorded at cost and the carrying value is adjusted thereafter to include the investor’s pro rata share of post-acquisition earnings or losses of the investee, as computed by the consolidation method. Cash funding increases the carrying value of the investment. Profit distributions received or receivable from an investee reduce the carrying value of the investment. Donlin Gold LLC and Galore Creek Partnership are non-publicly traded equity investees owning exploration and development projects. Therefore, the Company assesses whether there has been a potential impairment triggering event for other-than-temporary impairment by testing the underlying assets of the equity investee for recoverability and assessing whether there has been a change in the development plan or strategy for the project. If the underlying assets are not Mineral properties Mineral property expenditures are expensed as incurred except for expenditures associated with the acquisition of mineral property assets through a business combination or asset acquisition. The Company reviews and evaluates its mineral properties for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not may Income taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, recognizing certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of the Company’s liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the Company, as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The Company derives its deferred income tax charge or benefit by recording the change in deferred income tax liabilities and asset balances for the year. The Company’s deferred income tax assets include certain future tax benefits. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not not Share-based payments The Company records share-based compensation awards exchanged for employee services at fair value on the date of the grant and expenses the awards in the consolidated statement of loss over the requisite employee service period. The fair values of stock options are determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair values of PSUs are determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The Company's estimates may not Net income (loss) per common share Basic and diluted income (loss) per share are presented for Net income (loss). Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing Net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares for the period. Diluted income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts that may Reclassifications The Company adopted Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016 09, Recently adopted accounting pronouncements Compensation—Stock Compensation In March 2016, No. 2016 09 December 15, 2016. December 1, 2016, 4,275 827 November 30, 2016 2015, no Recently issued accounting pronouncements Compensation—Stock Compensation In May 2017, No. 2017 09 December 1, 2017, not Restricted Cash In November 2016, No. 2016 18 December 15, 2017 December 1, 2018, not Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In August 2016, No. 2016 15 December 1, 2018, not December 1, 2018. Leases In February 2016, No. 2016 02 September 2017 No. 2017 13. December 1, 2019. not Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments In January 2016, No. 2016 01 not not December 1, 2018. not

Note 3 - Segmented Information

Note 3 - Segmented Information	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 3 Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer considers the business from a geographic perspective considering the performance of our investments in the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, U.S.A. and the Galore Creek project in British Columbia, Canada. Segment information is provided on each of the material projects individually in notes 4 5.

Note 4 - Investment in Donlin G

Note 4 - Investment in Donlin Gold	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Donlin Gold [Member]
Notes to Financial Statements
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 4 The Donlin Gold project is owned and operated by Donlin Gold LLC, a limited liability company in which wholly-owned subsidiaries of Barrick and NOVAGOLD each own a 50% four two two Changes in the Company’s investment in Donlin Gold LLC are summarized as follows: Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Balance – beginning of period $ 951 $ 1,058 $ 1,618 Share of losses Mineral property expenditures (11,139 ) (8,689 ) (10,845 ) Depreciation (80 ) (130 ) (171 ) (11,219 ) (8,819 ) (11,016 ) Funding 11,368 8,712 10,456 Balance – end of period $ 1,100 $ 951 $ 1,058 The following amounts represent the Company’s 50% $64,000 At November 30, 2017 2016 Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables $ 2,075 $ 1,540 Non-current assets: Property and equipment 23 101 Non-current assets: Mineral property 32,692 32,692 Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (998 ) (690 ) Non-current liabilities: Reclamation obligation (692 ) (692 ) Net assets $ 33,100 $ 32,951

Note 5 - Investment in Galore C

Note 5 - Investment in Galore Creek	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Galore Creek [Member]
Notes to Financial Statements
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 5 The Galore Creek project is owned by Galore Creek Partnership (GCP), a partnership in which Teck and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD each own a 50% four two two GCP prepares its financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the IASB and presents its financial statements in Canadian dollars. In accounting for its investment in GCP, the Company converts and presents reported amounts in accordance with US GAAP and in U.S. dollars. Changes in the Company’s investment in GCP are summarized as follows: Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Balance – beginning of period $ 241,404 $ 242,906 $ 283,247 Share of losses Mineral property expenditures (48 ) (169 ) (147 ) Care and maintenance expense (1,628 ) (980 ) (884 ) Gain on sale of equipment — — 639 (1,676 ) (1,149 ) (392 ) Funding 1,600 1,020 508 Exploration tax credit — — 107 Foreign currency translation 10,133 (1,373 ) (40,564 ) Balance – end of period $ 251,461 $ 241,404 $ 242,906 The following amounts represent the Company’s 50% June 2011, 50% 50% not 50% At November 30, 2017 2016 Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables $ 197 $ 170 Non-current assets: Mineral property 226,561 217,295 Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (237 ) (112 ) Non-current liabilities: Reclamation obligation (7,645 ) (7,260 ) Net assets $ 218,876 $ 210,093

Note 6 - Mineral Property

Note 6 - Mineral Property	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Mineral Industries Disclosures [Text Block]	NOTE 6 In 2011, 40% 60%

Note 7 - Other Assets

Note 7 - Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 7 At November 30, 2017 2016 Other current assets: Accounts and interest receivable $ 303 $ 547 Prepaid expenses 580 554 Receivable from Galore Creek Partnership — 28 Note receivable — 935 $ 883 $ 2,064 Other long-term assets: Marketable equity securities $ 1,448 $ 1,117 Receivable from Galore Creek Partnership 3,674 3,526 Restricted cash – reclamation deposit 1,361 1,111 Office equipment 48 58 $ 6,531 $ 5,812

Note 8 - Promissory Note

Note 8 - Promissory Note	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 8 The Company has a promissory note payable to Barrick of $51,576, 2%, $38,464 April 1, 2006 November 30, 2007. 85%

Note 9 - Fair Value Accounting

Note 9 - Fair Value Accounting	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	NOTE 9 Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one three three Level 1 Level 2 not Level 3 no The Company’s marketable equity securities are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified within Level 1 $1,448 November 30, 2017 ( $1,117 November 30, 2016),

Note 10 - General and Administr

Note 10 - General and Administrative Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
General and Administrative Expenses [Text Block]	NOTE 10 Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Share-based compensation (note 13) $ 10,293 $ 10,263 $ 9,488 Salaries and benefits 6,470 6,167 6,164 Office expense 2,140 2,035 2,090 Corporate communications and regulatory 992 1,001 1,452 Professional fees 873 680 693 Depreciation 34 33 35 $ 20,802 $ 20,179 $ 19,922

Note 11 - Other Income (Expense

Note 11 - Other Income (Expense)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 11 Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Interest income $ 1,172 $ 947 $ 740 Interest expense (5,228 ) (4,551 ) (5,188 ) Foreign exchange gain (loss) (531 ) 182 4,771 Write-down of investments — — (426 ) $ (4,587 ) $ (3,422 ) $ (103 ) At November 30, 2017, 12 2015, $426

Note 12 - Income Taxes

Note 12 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 12 Effective November 2, 2017, 11% 12%, January 1, 2018. 2018 26% 2017, 26.92% 2018, 27% 2019 $425 November 30, 2017. On December 22, 2017, 35% 21% January 1, 2018. not November 30 22.2% November 30, 2018 21% not Given the significant complexity of the Act and anticipated additional implementation guidance from the Internal Revenue Service further implications of the Act may The Company’s Income tax expense consisted of: Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Current: Canada $ — $ — $ — Foreign 350 346 155 350 346 155 Deferred: Canada 382 (69 ) (2 ) Foreign — — — 382 (69 ) (2 ) Income tax expense $ 732 $ 277 $ 153 The Company’s Loss before income tax consisted of: Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Canada $ (20,501 ) $ (18,912 ) $ (14,775 ) Foreign (17,783 ) (14,657 ) (17,024 ) $ (38,284 ) $ (33,569 ) $ (31,799 ) The Company’s Income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the Canadian statutory corporate income tax rates for the following reasons: Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Loss before income taxes (38,284 ) (33,569 ) (31,799 ) Combined federal and provincial statutory tax rate 26 % 26 % 26 % Income tax recovery based on statutory income tax rates (9,954 ) (8,728 ) (8,268 ) Reconciling items: Effect of future statutory tax rate change (1,679 ) — — Non-deductible expenditures 2,485 2,607 1,906 Foreign accrual property income (439 ) 862 1,269 Effect of different statutory tax rates on earnings or losses of subsidiaries (2,690 ) (2,218 ) (2,619 ) Effect of tax losses expired 8 6 3,878 Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets 13,025 7,668 3,264 Other (24 ) 80 723 Income tax expense $ 732 $ 277 $ 153 Components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows: At November 30, 2017 2016 Deferred tax income assets: Asset retirement obligation $ 75 $ 89 Net operating loss carry forwards 233,885 222,036 Capital loss carry forwards 33,666 31,352 Mineral properties 17,887 16,503 Intangible assets 494 456 Property and equipment 224 203 Investment in affiliates 44,484 42,743 Share issuance costs 74 137 Unpaid interest expense 3,044 3,044 Unrealized loss on investments 329 319 Investment tax credit 3,044 2,921 Other 1,200 1,137 338,406 320,940 Valuation allowances (297,770 ) (282,698 ) 40,636 38,242 Deferred income tax liabilities: Investment in affiliates (39,058 ) (36,110 ) Mineral properties (12,174 ) (11,251 ) Investment tax credit (822 ) (760 ) Unrealized gain on investments (22 ) — Capitalized assets and other (177 ) (859 ) (52,253 ) (48,980 ) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (11,617 ) $ (10,738 ) These amounts reflect the classification and presentation that is reported for each tax jurisdiction in which the Company operates. Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of: At November 30, 2017 2016 Long-term deferred income tax: Assets $ 9,761 $ 9,397 Liabilities (21,378 ) (20,135 ) $ (11,617 ) $ (10,738 ) Net operating losses available to offset future taxable income are as follows: Year of Expiry U.S. Canada 2024 $ 1,032 $ — 2025 1,246 — 2026 13,382 25,382 2027 18,493 4,077 2028 85 538 2029 11,223 12,679 2030 10,916 18,242 2031 16,580 17,115 2032 309,772 29,984 2033 14,529 22,423 2034 15,607 10,383 2035 16,383 6,872 2036 14,764 9,433 2037 14,198 11,016 $ 458,210 $ 168,144 Future use of U.S. loss carry-forwards is subject to certain limitations under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code including limitations subject to Section 382, 50% three January 22, 2009 December 31, 2012 three may 382. may may may The Company has recognized $9,761 2016: $9,397, 2015: $9,711 Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax asset. Significant pieces of objective negative evidence evaluated included the cumulative loss incurred as of November 30, 2017. November 30, 2017, $297,770 2016: $282,698, 2015: $275,305 not no may Uncertain tax position There were no November 30, 2017, 2016 2015. November 30, 2017, 2016 2015, no one November 30, 2017 2013 2017 2014 2017

Note 13 - Share-based Compensat

Note 13 - Share-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	NOTE 13 Share incentive awards include a stock option plan for directors, executives, employees and eligible consultants, a PSU plan for executives, employees and eligible consultants and a DSU plan for directors of the Company. Options granted to purchase common shares have exercise prices not November 30, 2017, 14.7 The Company recognized share-based compensation expense (recorded in General and administrative expenses) as follows: Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Stock options $ 5,496 $ 5,855 $ 4,736 Performance share unit plan 4,588 4,184 4,537 Deferred share unit plan 209 224 215 $ 10,293 $ 10,263 $ 9,488 Stock options Stock options granted under the Company’s share-based incentive plans generally expire five one third A summary of stock options outstanding as of November 30, 2017, November 30, 2017 Number of Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate November 30, 2016 19,829 $ 3.59 Granted 3,545 4.58 Exercised (3,554 ) 4.54 Expired (2,197 ) 9.42 Forfeited (72 ) 4.60 November 30, 2017 17,551 $ 3.24 2.30 $ 13,837 Vested and exercisable as of November 30, 2017 14,058 $ 2.98 1.96 $ 13,837 The following table summarizes other stock option-related information: Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to value stock option awards: Expected volatility 50 % 54 % 60 % Expected term of options (years) 3 3 3 Expected dividend rate — — — Risk-free interest rate 1.2 % 0.5 % 1.1 % Expected forfeiture rate 2.5 % 3.0 % 4.0 % Weighted-average grant-date fair value $ 1.60 $ 1.37 $ 1.12 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 5,014 $ 1,510 $ 427 Cash received from options exercised — — — As of November 30, 2017, $980 3,458,383 one Performance share units The Company has a PSU plan that provides for the issuance of PSUs in amounts as approved by the Company’s Compensation Committee. Each PSU award entitles the participant to receive one may 0% 150%. may 0% 150% no The value of each PSU granted is estimated at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The Monte Carlo simulation model requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the share price volatility of the Company’s stock, as well as comparator group companies and the correlation of returns between the comparator companies and the Company. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s shares and the comparator group companies shares at the grant date. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, our recorded share-based compensation expense would have been different from that reported. A summary of PSU awards outstanding as of November 30, 2017, November 30, 2017 Number of Weighted- Aggregate November 30, 2016 2,619 $ 3.15 Granted 940 4.58 Vested (1,556 ) 2.83 Performance adjustment 179 2.83 Forfeited (6 ) 4.32 November 30, 2017 2,176 $ 4.10 $ 2,158 During the year ended November 30, 2017, $196 November 30, 2017, 2,176,000 1,237,000 no 939,000 $2,408 one The following table summarizes other PSU-related information: Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Performance multiplier on PSUs vested 113 % 140 % 137 % Common shares issued (thousands) 1,513 1,377 506 Total fair value of common shares issued $ 6,932 $ 5,151 $ 1,351 Withholding tax paid on PSUs vested $ 196 $ 4,275 $ 827 Deferred share units The Company has a DSU plan that provides for the issuance of DSUs in amounts where the Directors receive half of their annual retainer in DSUs and have the option to elect to receive all or a portion of the other half of their annual retainer in DSUs. Each DSU entitles the Directors to receive one November 30, 2017, 48,380 $4.36 27,536 2017. No 2016 2015. November 30, 2017, 307,690

Note 14 - Share Capital

Note 14 - Share Capital	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 14 Common shares The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 without 322,219,187 November 30, 2017, 320,015,809 November 30, 2016. Preferred shares Pursuant to the Company’s Notice of Articles filed under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), the Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 without may one November 30, 2017 2016, no

Note 15 - Reclassifications Out

Note 15 - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	NOTE 15 Unrealized gain Foreign Total November 30, 2016 $ 572 $ (19,432 ) $ (18,860 ) Change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 271 12,414 12,685 Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — — — Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 271 12,414 12,685 November 30, 2017 $ 843 $ (7,018 ) $ (6,175 ) Details about accumulated other comprehensive income Amount reclassified from 2017 2016 2015 Marketable equity securities adjustments Impairment of marketable equity securities (1) $ — $ — $ 426 Tax benefit (expense) — — — Net of tax $ — $ — $ 426 ( 1

Note 16 - Related Party Transac

Note 16 - Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 16 The Company provided office rental and services to GCP for $207 2017, $335 2016 $349 2015. As of November 30, 2017, $nil 2016: $28 $3,674 2016: $3,526 $119 November 30, 2016

Note 17 - Commitments and Conti

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 17 General The Company follows ASC guidance in determining its accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies. Accordingly, estimated losses from loss contingencies are accrued by a charge to income when information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability could be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not Commitments The Company leases certain assets, such as office equipment and office facilities, under operating leases expiring at various dates through 2018. $198 2018, $226 2019, $199 2020, $204 2021, $210 2022, $18 2023, $1,055.

Note 18 - Supplemental Cash Flo

Note 18 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	NOTE 18 Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Interest received $ 1,101 $ 878 $ 639 Interest paid $ — $ — $ 435 Income taxes paid $ 343 $ 327 $ 120

Note 19 - Unaudited Supplementa

Note 19 - Unaudited Supplementary Data	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	NOTE 19 Quarterly data The following is a summary of selected quarterly financial information (unaudited): 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Loss from operations $ (8,963 ) $ (7,558 ) $ (8,423 ) $ (8,753 ) Net loss $ (10,143 ) $ (8,462 ) $ (10,393 ) $ (10,018 ) Loss per common share, basic and diluted $ (0.03 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.03 ) 2016 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Loss from operations $ (9,530 ) $ (7,391 ) $ (6,422 ) $ (6,804 ) Net loss $ (9,977 ) $ (9,138 ) $ (7,381 ) $ (7,350 ) Loss per common share, basic and diluted $ (0.03 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.02 ) Significant after-tax items were as follows: Fourth quarter 2017: Donlin Gold drilling program, $2,317 $0.01 Third quarter 2017: Donlin Gold drilling program, $1,318 $0.00 Second quarter 2017: n/a First quarter 2017: n/a Fourth quarter 2016: n/a Third quarter 2016: n/a Second quarter 2016: n/a First quarter 2016: n/a

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Presentation These Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in United States dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP). References in these Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to $ refer to United States dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars. Dollar amounts are in thousands, except for per share amounts.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of estimates The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with US GAAP requires the Company 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 Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions include: investments in affiliates; mineral properties; income taxes; and share-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from the amounts estimated in these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of consolidation The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements include NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries include NOVAGOLD Canada Inc., Copper Canyon Resources Ltd., NOVAGOLD U.S. Holdings Inc., NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska Inc., NOVAGOLD USA, Inc., and AGC Resources Inc. All inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation. The functional currency for the Company’s Canadian operations is the Canadian dollar and the functional currency for the Company’s U.S. operations is the U.S. dollar. Therefore, gains and losses on U.S. dollar denominated transactions and the effect of translating U.S. dollar denominated balances of Canadian operations are recorded in net loss. The effects of translating the Company’s Canadian operations from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss).
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consists of cash balances and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three
Term Deposits, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Term deposits The Company’s term deposits are classified as held to maturity and recorded at cost. Term deposits are held at Chartered Canadian banks with original maturities of 12 not
Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block]	Investment in affiliates Investments in unconsolidated ventures over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not 50/50 not The equity method is a basis of accounting for investments whereby the investment is initially recorded at cost and the carrying value is adjusted thereafter to include the investor’s pro rata share of post-acquisition earnings or losses of the investee, as computed by the consolidation method. Cash funding increases the carrying value of the investment. Profit distributions received or receivable from an investee reduce the carrying value of the investment. Donlin Gold LLC and Galore Creek Partnership are non-publicly traded equity investees owning exploration and development projects. Therefore, the Company assesses whether there has been a potential impairment triggering event for other-than-temporary impairment by testing the underlying assets of the equity investee for recoverability and assessing whether there has been a change in the development plan or strategy for the project. If the underlying assets are not
Mineral Properties, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Mineral properties Mineral property expenditures are expensed as incurred except for expenditures associated with the acquisition of mineral property assets through a business combination or asset acquisition. The Company reviews and evaluates its mineral properties for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not may
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, recognizing certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of the Company’s liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the Company, as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The Company derives its deferred income tax charge or benefit by recording the change in deferred income tax liabilities and asset balances for the year. The Company’s deferred income tax assets include certain future tax benefits. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not not
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Share-based payments The Company records share-based compensation awards exchanged for employee services at fair value on the date of the grant and expenses the awards in the consolidated statement of loss over the requisite employee service period. The fair values of stock options are determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair values of PSUs are determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The Company's estimates may not
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Net income (loss) per common share Basic and diluted income (loss) per share are presented for Net income (loss). Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing Net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares for the period. Diluted income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts that may
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications The Company adopted Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016 09,
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently adopted accounting pronouncements Compensation—Stock Compensation In March 2016, No. 2016 09 December 15, 2016. December 1, 2016, 4,275 827 November 30, 2016 2015, no Recently issued accounting pronouncements Compensation—Stock Compensation In May 2017, No. 2017 09 December 1, 2017, not Restricted Cash In November 2016, No. 2016 18 December 15, 2017 December 1, 2018, not Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In August 2016, No. 2016 15 December 1, 2018, not December 1, 2018. Leases In February 2016, No. 2016 02 September 2017 No. 2017 13. December 1, 2019. not Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments In January 2016, No. 2016 01 not not December 1, 2018. not

Note 4 - Investment in Donlin28

Note 4 - Investment in Donlin Gold (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Donlin Gold [Member]
Notes Tables
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Balance – beginning of period $ 951 $ 1,058 $ 1,618 Share of losses Mineral property expenditures (11,139 ) (8,689 ) (10,845 ) Depreciation (80 ) (130 ) (171 ) (11,219 ) (8,819 ) (11,016 ) Funding 11,368 8,712 10,456 Balance – end of period $ 1,100 $ 951 $ 1,058 At November 30, 2017 2016 Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables $ 2,075 $ 1,540 Non-current assets: Property and equipment 23 101 Non-current assets: Mineral property 32,692 32,692 Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (998 ) (690 ) Non-current liabilities: Reclamation obligation (692 ) (692 ) Net assets $ 33,100 $ 32,951

Note 5 - Investment in Galore29

Note 5 - Investment in Galore Creek (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Galore Creek [Member]
Notes Tables
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Balance – beginning of period $ 241,404 $ 242,906 $ 283,247 Share of losses Mineral property expenditures (48 ) (169 ) (147 ) Care and maintenance expense (1,628 ) (980 ) (884 ) Gain on sale of equipment — — 639 (1,676 ) (1,149 ) (392 ) Funding 1,600 1,020 508 Exploration tax credit — — 107 Foreign currency translation 10,133 (1,373 ) (40,564 ) Balance – end of period $ 251,461 $ 241,404 $ 242,906 At November 30, 2017 2016 Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables $ 197 $ 170 Non-current assets: Mineral property 226,561 217,295 Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (237 ) (112 ) Non-current liabilities: Reclamation obligation (7,645 ) (7,260 ) Net assets $ 218,876 $ 210,093

Note 7 - Other Assets (Tables)

Note 7 - Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block]	At November 30, 2017 2016 Other current assets: Accounts and interest receivable $ 303 $ 547 Prepaid expenses 580 554 Receivable from Galore Creek Partnership — 28 Note receivable — 935 $ 883 $ 2,064 Other long-term assets: Marketable equity securities $ 1,448 $ 1,117 Receivable from Galore Creek Partnership 3,674 3,526 Restricted cash – reclamation deposit 1,361 1,111 Office equipment 48 58 $ 6,531 $ 5,812

Note 10 - General and Adminis31

Note 10 - General and Administrative Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
General and Administrative Expenses [Table Text Block]	Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Share-based compensation (note 13) $ 10,293 $ 10,263 $ 9,488 Salaries and benefits 6,470 6,167 6,164 Office expense 2,140 2,035 2,090 Corporate communications and regulatory 992 1,001 1,452 Professional fees 873 680 693 Depreciation 34 33 35 $ 20,802 $ 20,179 $ 19,922

Note 11 - Other Income (Expen32

Note 11 - Other Income (Expense) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block]	Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Interest income $ 1,172 $ 947 $ 740 Interest expense (5,228 ) (4,551 ) (5,188 ) Foreign exchange gain (loss) (531 ) 182 4,771 Write-down of investments — — (426 ) $ (4,587 ) $ (3,422 ) $ (103 )

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Current: Canada $ — $ — $ — Foreign 350 346 155 350 346 155 Deferred: Canada 382 (69 ) (2 ) Foreign — — — 382 (69 ) (2 ) Income tax expense $ 732 $ 277 $ 153
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Canada $ (20,501 ) $ (18,912 ) $ (14,775 ) Foreign (17,783 ) (14,657 ) (17,024 ) $ (38,284 ) $ (33,569 ) $ (31,799 )
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Loss before income taxes (38,284 ) (33,569 ) (31,799 ) Combined federal and provincial statutory tax rate 26 % 26 % 26 % Income tax recovery based on statutory income tax rates (9,954 ) (8,728 ) (8,268 ) Reconciling items: Effect of future statutory tax rate change (1,679 ) — — Non-deductible expenditures 2,485 2,607 1,906 Foreign accrual property income (439 ) 862 1,269 Effect of different statutory tax rates on earnings or losses of subsidiaries (2,690 ) (2,218 ) (2,619 ) Effect of tax losses expired 8 6 3,878 Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets 13,025 7,668 3,264 Other (24 ) 80 723 Income tax expense $ 732 $ 277 $ 153
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	At November 30, 2017 2016 Deferred tax income assets: Asset retirement obligation $ 75 $ 89 Net operating loss carry forwards 233,885 222,036 Capital loss carry forwards 33,666 31,352 Mineral properties 17,887 16,503 Intangible assets 494 456 Property and equipment 224 203 Investment in affiliates 44,484 42,743 Share issuance costs 74 137 Unpaid interest expense 3,044 3,044 Unrealized loss on investments 329 319 Investment tax credit 3,044 2,921 Other 1,200 1,137 338,406 320,940 Valuation allowances (297,770 ) (282,698 ) 40,636 38,242 Deferred income tax liabilities: Investment in affiliates (39,058 ) (36,110 ) Mineral properties (12,174 ) (11,251 ) Investment tax credit (822 ) (760 ) Unrealized gain on investments (22 ) — Capitalized assets and other (177 ) (859 ) (52,253 ) (48,980 ) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (11,617 ) $ (10,738 ) At November 30, 2017 2016 Long-term deferred income tax: Assets $ 9,761 $ 9,397 Liabilities (21,378 ) (20,135 ) $ (11,617 ) $ (10,738 )
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]	Year of Expiry U.S. Canada 2024 $ 1,032 $ — 2025 1,246 — 2026 13,382 25,382 2027 18,493 4,077 2028 85 538 2029 11,223 12,679 2030 10,916 18,242 2031 16,580 17,115 2032 309,772 29,984 2033 14,529 22,423 2034 15,607 10,383 2035 16,383 6,872 2036 14,764 9,433 2037 14,198 11,016 $ 458,210 $ 168,144

Note 13 - Share-based Compens34

Note 13 - Share-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Stock options $ 5,496 $ 5,855 $ 4,736 Performance share unit plan 4,588 4,184 4,537 Deferred share unit plan 209 224 215 $ 10,293 $ 10,263 $ 9,488
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Number of Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate November 30, 2016 19,829 $ 3.59 Granted 3,545 4.58 Exercised (3,554 ) 4.54 Expired (2,197 ) 9.42 Forfeited (72 ) 4.60 November 30, 2017 17,551 $ 3.24 2.30 $ 13,837 Vested and exercisable as of November 30, 2017 14,058 $ 2.98 1.96 $ 13,837
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to value stock option awards: Expected volatility 50 % 54 % 60 % Expected term of options (years) 3 3 3 Expected dividend rate — — — Risk-free interest rate 1.2 % 0.5 % 1.1 % Expected forfeiture rate 2.5 % 3.0 % 4.0 % Weighted-average grant-date fair value $ 1.60 $ 1.37 $ 1.12 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 5,014 $ 1,510 $ 427 Cash received from options exercised — — —
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Performance Share Units, Activity [Table Text Block]	Number of Weighted- Aggregate November 30, 2016 2,619 $ 3.15 Granted 940 4.58 Vested (1,556 ) 2.83 Performance adjustment 179 2.83 Forfeited (6 ) 4.32 November 30, 2017 2,176 $ 4.10 $ 2,158
Other PSU-related Information [Table Text Block]	Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Performance multiplier on PSUs vested 113 % 140 % 137 % Common shares issued (thousands) 1,513 1,377 506 Total fair value of common shares issued $ 6,932 $ 5,151 $ 1,351 Withholding tax paid on PSUs vested $ 196 $ 4,275 $ 827

Note 15 - Reclassifications O35

Note 15 - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Unrealized gain Foreign Total November 30, 2016 $ 572 $ (19,432 ) $ (18,860 ) Change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 271 12,414 12,685 Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — — — Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 271 12,414 12,685 November 30, 2017 $ 843 $ (7,018 ) $ (6,175 ) Details about accumulated other comprehensive income Amount reclassified from 2017 2016 2015 Marketable equity securities adjustments Impairment of marketable equity securities (1) $ — $ — $ 426 Tax benefit (expense) — — — Net of tax $ — $ — $ 426

Note 18 - Supplemental Cash F36

Note 18 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Years ended November 30, 2017 2016 2015 Interest received $ 1,101 $ 878 $ 639 Interest paid $ — $ — $ 435 Income taxes paid $ 343 $ 327 $ 120

Note 19 - Unaudited Supplemen37

Note 19 - Unaudited Supplementary Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Loss from operations $ (8,963 ) $ (7,558 ) $ (8,423 ) $ (8,753 ) Net loss $ (10,143 ) $ (8,462 ) $ (10,393 ) $ (10,018 ) Loss per common share, basic and diluted $ (0.03 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.03 ) 2016 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Loss from operations $ (9,530 ) $ (7,391 ) $ (6,422 ) $ (6,804 ) Net loss $ (9,977 ) $ (9,138 ) $ (7,381 ) $ (7,350 ) Loss per common share, basic and diluted $ (0.03 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.02 )

Note 1 - The Company (Details T

Note 1 - The Company (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)
Revenues	$ 0
Donlin Gold [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Galore Creek [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Galore Creek [Member] | Teck [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%

Note 2 - Summary of Significa39

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$ (8,280)	$ (7,421)	$ (10,599)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	$ (196)	(4,275)	(16,656)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities		4,275	827
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities		$ (4,275)	$ (827)
Maximum [Member]
Term Deposits, Original Maturities	1 year

Note 4 - Investment in Donlin40

Note 4 - Investment in Donlin Gold (Details Textual) - Donlin Gold [Member] $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Unconsolidated Ventures, Number of Directors	4
Unconsolidated Ventures, Number of Directors, Selected By the Reporting Entity	2
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost	$ 64
Barrick [Member]
Unconsolidated Ventures, Number of Directors Selected By Venture Partners	2
Barrick [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%

Note 4 - Investment in Donlin41

Note 4 - Investment in Donlin Gold - Summary of the Company's Investment in Donlin Gold LLC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
			$ (12,895)	$ (9,968)	$ (11,408)
Donlin Gold [Member]
Balance – beginning of period			951	1,058	1,618
Mineral property expenditures			(11,139)	(8,689)	(10,845)
Depreciation			(80)	(130)	(171)
	$ (2,317)	$ (1,318)	(11,219)	(8,819)	(11,016)
Funding			11,368	8,712	10,456
Balance – end of period	1,100		1,100	951	$ 1,058
Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables	2,075		2,075	1,540
Non-current assets: Property and equipment	23		23	101
Non-current assets: Mineral property	32,692		32,692	32,692
Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(998)		(998)	(690)
Non-current liabilities: Reclamation obligation	(692)		(692)	(692)
Net assets	$ 33,100		$ 33,100	$ 32,951

Note 5 - Investment in Galore42

Note 5 - Investment in Galore Creek (Details Textual) - Galore Creek [Member]	Nov. 30, 2017
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Unconsolidated Ventures, Number of Directors	4
Unconsolidated Ventures, Number of Directors, Selected By the Reporting Entity	2
Teck [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Unconsolidated Ventures, Number of Directors Selected By Venture Partners	2

Note 5 - Investment in Galore43

Note 5 - Investment in Galore Creek - Summary of the Company's Investment in GCP (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
	$ (12,895)	$ (9,968)	$ (11,408)
Galore Creek [Member]
Balance – beginning of period	241,404	242,906	283,247
Mineral property expenditures	(48)	(169)	(147)
Care and maintenance expense	(1,628)	(980)	(884)
Gain on sale of equipment			639
	(1,676)	(1,149)	(392)
Funding	1,600	1,020	508
Exploration tax credit			107
Foreign currency translation	10,133	(1,373)	(40,564)
Balance – end of period	251,461	241,404	$ 242,906
Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables	197	170
Non-current assets: Mineral property	226,561	217,295
Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(237)	(112)
Non-current liabilities: Reclamation obligation	(7,645)	(7,260)
Net assets	$ 218,876	$ 210,093

Note 6 - Mineral Property (Deta

Note 6 - Mineral Property (Details Textual) - Copper Canyon Property [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Mineral Properties, Ownership Percentage	40.00%
Galore Creek [Member]
Mineral Properties, Ownership Percentage	60.00%

Note 7 - Other Assets - Carryin

Note 7 - Other Assets - Carrying Amounts of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Other current assets:
Accounts and interest receivable	$ 303	$ 547
Prepaid expenses	580	554
Receivable from Galore Creek Partnership		28
Note receivable		935
	883	2,064
Other long-term assets:
Marketable equity securities	1,448	1,117
Receivable from Galore Creek Partnership	3,674	3,526
Restricted cash – reclamation deposit	1,361	1,111
Office equipment	48	58
	$ 6,531	$ 5,812

Note 8 - Promissory Note (Detai

Note 8 - Promissory Note (Details Textual) - Barrick [Member] - Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)
Notes Payable	$ 51,576
Interest Payable	$ 38,464
Percentage of Specified Revenue from Which the Promissory Note and Accrued Interest Are Payable	85.00%
Prime Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%

Note 9 - Fair Value Accounting

Note 9 - Fair Value Accounting (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Marketable Securities, Equity Securities	$ 1,448	$ 1,117

Note 10 - General and Adminis48

Note 10 - General and Administrative Expenses - Summary of General and Administrative Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Share-based compensation (note 13)	$ 10,293	$ 10,263	$ 9,488
Salaries and benefits	6,470	6,167	6,164
Office expense	2,140	2,035	2,090
Corporate communications and regulatory	992	1,001	1,452
Professional fees	873	680	693
Depreciation	34	33	35
	$ 20,802	$ 20,179	$ 19,922

Note 11 - Other Income (Expen49

Note 11 - Other Income (Expense) (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments			$ 426

Note 11 - Other Income (Expen50

Note 11 - Other Income (Expense) - Summary of Other Income (Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Interest income	$ 1,172	$ 947	$ 740
Interest expense	(5,228)	(4,551)	(5,188)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	(531)	182	4,771
Write-down of investments			(426)
	$ (4,587)	$ (3,422)	$ (103)

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 22, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Nov. 01, 2017	Nov. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2018
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Combined Federal and Provincial Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent							26.00%	26.00%	26.00%
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) from Change in Combined Federal and Provincial Statutory Income Tax Rate							$ 425
Deferred Tax Assets, Dependent on the Reversal of Existing Taxable Temporary Differences							9,761	$ 9,397	$ 9,711
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance							297,770	282,698	275,305
Unrecognized Tax Benefits							0	0	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued							$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Subsequent Event [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Combined Federal and Provincial Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent				27.00%		26.92%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		21.00%			21.00%	22.20%
Tax and Revenue Administration, British Columbia [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent			11.00%
Tax and Revenue Administration, British Columbia [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent										12.00%

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Compon

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Current:
Canada
Foreign	350	346	155
	350	346	155
Deferred:
Canada	382	(69)	(2)
Foreign
	382	(69)	(2)
Income tax expense	$ 732	$ 277	$ 153

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Loss B

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Loss Before Income Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Canada	$ (20,501)	$ (18,912)	$ (14,775)
Foreign	(17,783)	(14,657)	(17,024)
Loss before income taxes	$ (38,284)	$ (33,569)	$ (31,799)

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Effect

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Loss before income taxes	$ (38,284)	$ (33,569)	$ (31,799)
Combined federal and provincial statutory tax rate	26.00%	26.00%	26.00%
Income tax recovery based on statutory income tax rates	$ (9,954)	$ (8,728)	$ (8,268)
Reconciling items:
Effect of future statutory tax rate change	(1,679)
Non-deductible expenditures	2,485	2,607	1,906
Foreign accrual property income	(439)	862	1,269
Effect of different statutory tax rates on earnings or losses of subsidiaries	(2,690)	(2,218)	(2,619)
Effect of tax losses expired	8	6	3,878
Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	13,025	7,668	3,264
Other	(24)	80	723
Income tax expense	$ 732	$ 277	$ 153

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Comp55

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Components of the Company's Deferred Income Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Asset retirement obligation	$ 75	$ 89
Net operating loss carry forwards	233,885	222,036
Capital loss carry forwards	33,666	31,352
Mineral properties	17,887	16,503
Intangible assets	494	456
Property and equipment	224	203
Investment in affiliates	44,484	42,743
Share issuance costs	74	137
Unpaid interest expense	3,044	3,044
Unrealized loss on investments	329	319
Investment tax credit	3,044	2,921
Other	1,200	1,137
	338,406	320,940
Valuation allowances	(297,770)	(282,698)	$ (275,305)
	40,636	38,242
Investment in affiliates	(39,058)	(36,110)
Mineral properties	(12,174)	(11,251)
Investment tax credit	(822)	(760)
Unrealized gain on investments	(22)
Capitalized assets and other	(177)	(859)
	(52,253)	(48,980)
Net deferred income tax liabilities	(11,617)	(10,738)
Long-term deferred income tax:
Assets	9,761	9,397
Liabilities	(21,378)	(20,135)
	$ (11,617)	$ (10,738)

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Summar

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	$ 458,210
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2024 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	1,032
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2025 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	1,246
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2026 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	13,382
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2027 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	18,493
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2028 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	85
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2029 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	11,223
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2030 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	10,916
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2031 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	16,580
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2032 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	309,772
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2033 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	14,529
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2034 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	15,607
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2035 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	16,383
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2036 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	14,764
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiring in 2037 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	14,198
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	168,144
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2024 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2025 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2026 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	25,382
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2027 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	4,077
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2028 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	538
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2029 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	12,679
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2030 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	18,242
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2031 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	17,115
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2032 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	29,984
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2033 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	22,423
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2034 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	10,383
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2035 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	6,872
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2036 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	9,433
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | Expiring in 2037 [Member]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	$ 11,016

Note 13 - Share-based Compens57

Note 13 - Share-based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 23, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant		14,700,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options		$ 980
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options, Shares		3,458,383
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation		$ 196	$ 4,275	$ 827
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period		5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Portion Vesting Per Year		0.3333%
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		1 year
Performance Share Units [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		1 year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Common Shares Per Award		1
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation		$ 196	$ 4,275	$ 827
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		2,176,000	2,619,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options, Shares		939,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options		$ 2,408
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		940,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 4.58
Performance Share Units [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Expirations	1,237,000
Stock Granted, Value, Share-based Compensation, Forfeited	$ 0
Performance Share Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Common Shares Per Award, Adjusted, Multiplier		0.00%
Performance Share Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Common Shares Per Award, Adjusted, Multiplier		150.00%
Deferred Share Units [Member] | Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Common Shares Per Award		1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		48,380
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 4.36
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period		27,536	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number		307,690

Note 13 - Share-based Compens58

Note 13 - Share-based Compensation - Summary of Share-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 10,293	$ 10,263	$ 9,488
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Expense	5,496	5,855	4,736
Performance Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Expense	4,588	4,184	4,537
Deferred Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 209	$ 224	$ 215

Note 13 - Share-based Compens59

Note 13 - Share-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Options Outstanding (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Balance - beginning of year (in shares) | shares	19,829
Weighted average exercise price outstanding, beginning (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.59
Granted (in shares) | shares	3,545
Granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 4.58
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(3,554)
Exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 4.54
Expired (in shares) | shares	(2,197)
Expired, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 9.42
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(72)
Forfeited, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 4.60
Balance - end of year (in shares) | shares	17,551
Weighted average exercise price outstanding, ending (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.24
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, outstanding (Year)	2 years 109 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding | $	$ 13,837
Vested and exercisable (in shares) | shares	14,058
Vested and exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.98
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, vested and exercisable (Year)	1 year 350 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested and exercisable | $	$ 13,837

Note 13 - Share-based Compens60

Note 13 - Share-based Compensation - Other Information Related to Stock Options (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Weighted-average assumptions used to value stock option awards:
Expected volatility	50.00%	54.00%	60.00%
Expected term of options (Year)	3 years	3 years	3 years
Expected dividend rate	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.20%	0.50%	1.10%
Expected forfeiture rate	2.50%	3.00%	4.00%
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.60	$ 1.37	$ 1.12
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 5,014	$ 1,510	$ 427
Cash received from options exercised	$ 0	$ 0

Note 13 - Share-based Compens61

Note 13 - Share-based Compensation - PSU Awards Outstanding and PSU Activity (Details) - Performance Share Units [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Balance - beginning of year (in shares) | shares	2,619,000
Balance - beginning of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.15
Granted (in shares) | shares	940,000
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 4.58
Vested (in shares) | shares	(1,556,000)
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.83
Performance adjustment (in shares) | shares	179,000
Performance adjustment (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.83
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(6,000)
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 4.32
Balance - end of year (in shares) | shares	2,176,000
Balance - end of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 4.10
Aggregate intrinsic value - end of year | $	$ 2,158

Note 13 - Share-based Compens62

Note 13 - Share-based Compensation - Other PSU-related Information (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Withholding tax paid on PSUs vested	$ 196	$ 4,275	$ 827
Performance Share Units [Member]
Performance multiplier on PSUs vested	113.00%	140.00%	137.00%
Common shares issued (in shares)	1,513	1,377	506
Total fair value of common shares issued	$ 6,932	$ 5,151	$ 1,351
Withholding tax paid on PSUs vested	$ 196	$ 4,275	$ 827

Note 14 - Share Capital (Detail

Note 14 - Share Capital (Details Textual) - $ / shares $ / shares in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	322,219,187	320,015,809
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Common Stock, No Par Value	$ 0	$ 0
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	322,219,187	320,015,809
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Preferred Stock, No Par Value	$ 0

Note 15 - Reclassifications O64

Note 15 - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in AOCI and Details About AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Balance, beginning		$ (18,860)
Change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		12,685
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		12,685	$ (1,175)	$ (52,530)
Balance, ending		(6,175)	(18,860)
Marketable equity securities adjustments
Impairment of marketable equity securities (1)	[1]	0		426
Tax benefit (expense)		0	0	0
Net of tax		0		$ 426
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance, beginning		572
Change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		271
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		271
Balance, ending		843	572
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance, beginning		(19,432)
Change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		12,414
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		12,414
Balance, ending		$ (7,018)	$ (19,432)
[1]	This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Loss.

Note 16 - Related Party Trans65

Note 16 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Galore Creek [Member]
Rental Income, Nonoperating	$ 207	$ 335	$ 349
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current		28
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent	$ 3,674	3,526
Affiliate of Electrum Strategic Partners LLC [Member]
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current		$ 119

Note 17 - Commitments and Con66

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$ 198
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	226
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	199
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	204
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	210
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	18
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 1,055

Note 18 - Supplemental Cash F67

Note 18 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Interest received	$ 1,101	$ 878	$ 639
Interest paid	0		435
Income taxes paid	$ 343	$ 327	$ 120

Note 19 - Unaudited Supplemen68

Note 19 - Unaudited Supplementary Data (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments									$ (12,895)	$ (9,968)	$ (11,408)
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.10)
Donlin Gold [Member]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$ (2,317)	$ (1,318)							$ (11,219)	$ (8,819)	$ (11,016)
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	$ (0.01)	$ 0

Note 19 - Unaudited Supplemen69

Note 19 - Unaudited Supplementary Data - Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Loss from operations	$ (8,753)	$ (8,423)	$ (7,558)	$ (8,963)	$ (6,804)	$ (6,422)	$ (7,391)	$ (9,530)	$ (33,697)	$ (30,147)	$ (31,696)
Net loss	$ (10,018)	$ (10,393)	$ (8,462)	$ (10,143)	$ (7,350)	$ (7,381)	$ (9,138)	$ (9,977)	$ (39,016)	$ (33,846)	$ (31,952)
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.10)