XML 13 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.7.0.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
 6 Months Ended
May 31, 2017
Jun. 21, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001173420  
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)   321,665,402
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date May 31, 2017  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Amendment Flag false