SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Exchangeable shares converted into common stock		1,600,000
Outstanding Exchangeable Shares not exchanged		81,700,000
Shares of common stock issued upon exercise of stock options	1,000,000	20,000
Exercise price of stock options (in dollars per share)		$ 1.69
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		$ 34	$ 2,515
Shares of common stock issued as part payment for mining concessions in Mexico		41,500
Settlement agreement regarding outstanding litigation
Litigation settlement liability				3,830
Mr. McEwen | Subsequent event
Exchangeable shares converted into common stock		42,103,285
Litigation settlement agreement with respect to the Los Azules Copper Project | TNR
Settlement agreement regarding outstanding litigation
Litigation settlement liability				$ 3,800