XML 68 R36.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Other Investments (Narrative) (Details) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) | Feb. 28, 2014 Midas Gold Corp [Member] USD ($) | Feb. 28, 2014 Midas Gold Corp [Member] CAD | Apr. 30, 2011 Midas Gold Corp [Member] | Dec. 31, 2014 Midas Gold Corp [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013 Midas Gold Corp [Member] USD ($) | Feb. 28, 2014 Midas Gold Corp [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2011 Midas Gold Corp [Member] Private Placement [Member] USD ($)
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of shares issued in transaction, (Shares) |  |  |  |  |  | 30,402,615 us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember |  |  |  |
Number of shares acquired (in shares) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,400,000 vgz_NumberOfSharesAcquired / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember / us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis = us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember
Aggregate purchase price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 3,632 vgz_PurchasePriceOfPrivatePlacement / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember / us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis = us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember
Expiration period of restrictions on the sale of shares |  |  |  | 12 months | 12 months |  |  |  |  |
Common stock, shares held (in shares) |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15,802,615 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember | 31,802,615 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember | 15,802,615 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10,560 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues |  |  |  | 16,000,000 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember | 16,000,000 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember |  |  |  |  |
Deferred income tax benefit/(expense) |  | 15,373 us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit | 20,147 us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Valuation allowance | 54,397 us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance | 43,955 us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance | 41,817 us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unrealized loss on Midas Gold Shares | (4,267)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments | (48,499)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments | (50,363)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unrealized Gain (Loss) Based on Fair Value at the End of the Period |  |  |  |  |  |  | (4,267)us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLoss1 / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember | (48,499)us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLoss1 / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember |  |
Realized gain on other investments (Note 4) | 155 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share |  |  |  | $ (0.73)us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember | 0.80 us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value at beginning of period |  | 21,055 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure |  |  |  |  |  | 20,990 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember |  |
Fair Value at beginning of period | 21,055 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure |  |  |  |  |  | 20,990 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember | 69,489 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember |  |
Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments | 10,560 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherInvestments |  |  |  |  |  | 10,560 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember |  |  |
Other investments (Note 4) | 6,163 us-gaap_OtherInvestments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value at end of period | 6,163 us-gaap_OtherInvestments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value at beginning of period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimated Income Tax Expense (Benefit), for the Period |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,478 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember | 17,915 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember |  |
Midas Gold shares held at the end of the period |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15,802,615 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember | 31,802,615 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember | 15,802,615 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |
Fair Value of Investment in Subsidiary | $ 6,163 vgz_FairValueOfInvestmentInSubsidiary |  |  |  |  |  | $ 6,163 vgz_FairValueOfInvestmentInSubsidiary / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember | $ 20,990 vgz_FairValueOfInvestmentInSubsidiary / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember |  |
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent | 90.00%us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent |  |  | 11.20%us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember | 11.20%us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vgz_MidasGoldCorpMember |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34349781&loc=d3e330036-122817 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Article 4 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 6 -Section I -Subsection 7 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition For each line item in the statement of financial position, the amounts of gains and losses from fair value changes included in earnings. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLoss1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net realized gain (loss) on investments sold during the period, not including gains (losses) on securities separately or otherwise categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity, which, for cash flow reporting, is a component of proceeds from investing activities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Article 4 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Income Tax Expense (or Benefit) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515339 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a),(b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value portion of investment securities, including, but not limited to, marketable securities, derivative financial instruments, and investments accounted for under the equity method. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Available-for-Sale Securities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505594 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Trading Securities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6526789 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 25 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28360136&loc=d3e22054-111558 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph a, f, g -Article 7 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 35 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27723805&loc=d3e24584-111560 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Other investments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 12 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph g -Article 7 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(f,g)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash inflow from the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, treasury stock, stock options, and other types of equity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3255-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow associated with the sale of other investments not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 26 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3574-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3179-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of shares issued or sold by the subsidiary or equity method investee per stock transaction. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Per share amount received by subsidiary or equity investee for each share of common stock issued or sold in the stock transaction. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of new stock issued during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net change in the difference between the fair value and the carrying value, or in the comparative fair values, of investments, not including unrealized gains or losses on securities separately or otherwise categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity, held at each balance sheet date and included in earnings for the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Expiration period of restrictions on the sale of shares. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vgz_ExpirationPeriodOfRestrictionsOnSaleOfShares
Namespace Prefix: | vgz_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The fair value of an investment in a subsidiary at a point in time. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vgz_FairValueOfInvestmentInSubsidiary
Namespace Prefix: | vgz_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The number of shares acquired in association with the significant investee's raising of capital. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vgz_NumberOfSharesAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | vgz_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Purchase price of shares in a private placement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vgz_PurchasePriceOfPrivatePlacement
Namespace Prefix: | vgz_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant