Mining Properties (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 19, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Write-downs		$ 4,446	$ 0
Cerro Bayo Mine [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Net smelter return paid (as a percent)	2.00%
Transfer of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sales, Cash Proceeds Received for Assets Derecognized, Amount	$ 5,700	$ 5,700
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets	$ 4,000
Disposition of Assets, Consideration Transferred, Shares Received	2.5
Endeavor [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Mineral Interests, Percent		100.00%
Write-downs		$ 2,500
McEwen Mining Inc, El Gallo, Magistral Mine [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Write-downs		$ 1,900
Subsequent Event [Member] | McEwen Mining Inc, El Gallo, Magistral Mine [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Transfer of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sales, Cash Proceeds Received for Assets Derecognized, Amount				$ 6,300
Disposition of Assets, Contingent Consideration, Asset				$ 1,000