v3.3.0.814
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001173420  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Aug. 31, 2015  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --11-30  
Is Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer? No  
Is Entity a Voluntary Filer? No  
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current? Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   317,906,679
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015