Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 20, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	VISTA GOLD CORP.
Entity Central Index Key	0000783324
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		100,898,124
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false