Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 23, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Entity File Number	001-9025
Entity Registrant Name	VISTA GOLD CORP.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	A1
Entity Tax Identification Number	98-0542444
Entity Address, Address Line One	7961 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 5
Entity Address, City or Town	Littleton
Entity Address, State or Province	CO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	80127
City Area Code	720
Local Phone Number	981-1185
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares
Trading Symbol	VGZ
Security Exchange Name	NYSEAMER
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		102,684,704
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Central Index Key	0000783324
Amendment Flag	false