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Commitments and Contingencies
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

NOTE G – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

On April 16, 2012, the Kingdom of Spain filed a motion with the district court for an award of attorney’s fees and costs related to the “Black Swan” case. On November 15, 2012, the Magistrate Judge recommended to the District Judge that Spain recover fees and costs related only to the period from February 10, 2012 through March 20, 2012 which amounts to approximately $95,000. We are opposing the motion vigorously and have submitted substantial arguments in opposition. However, we cannot predict the court’s ruling at this time.

The Company may be subject to a variety of other claims and suits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Management is currently not aware of any claims or suits that will have a material adverse impact on its financial position or its results of operations.

Trends and Uncertainties

Our current 2013 business plan estimates positive cash flow from operating activities. The plan contains assumptions which include that several of our planned projects are funded through project recoveries (Gairsoppa) and other financings, syndications or other partnership opportunities. The 2013 business plan expenses include a 90-day charter agreement which we recently executed with a company to provide a ship and equipment to conduct recovery operations on the Gairsoppa and Mantola projects similar to the work performed in 2012 where we monetized over $41 million of silver cash proceeds. One or more of these projected project recoveries, financing or partnership opportunities may not be realized which may require the need for additional cash. Based upon our current expectations, we believe our cash position will be sufficient to fund operating cash flows throughout the rest of 2013 taking into account our beginning cash balance, current cash flow expectations and revenues from multiple sources, including projected sales from recoveries, syndicated projects and other potential financing opportunities. We also anticipate renewing our term and mortgage loans with Fifth Third Bank on or before July 2013. We have experienced several years of net losses resulting in a stockholders’ deficit. Our capacity to generate net income in future periods is dependent upon our success in recovering and monetizing shipwrecks, realizing capital gains from sale of interest in mineral exploration entities, generating income from shipwreck or mineral exploration charters or to generate income from other projects. However, it is likely that we could monetize a significant portion of the Gairsoppa and Mantola projects in 2013 which could fund our operations for future periods. If cash flow is not sufficient to meet our projected business plan requirements, we will be required to raise additional capital or curtail expenses. While we have been successful in raising the necessary funds in the past, there can be no assurance that we can continue to do so in 2013.