Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
REVENUE
Gold revenues	$ 471,007	$ 432,693	$ 400,739
Cost of sales (Note 17)	420,153	401,455	362,788
Mine operating margin	50,854	31,238	37,951
Exploration expense	5,137	5,398	4,291
General and administrative expense	25,378	17,065	14,156
Derivative mark-to-market (gain)/loss (Note 4)	19,276	850	3,538
Gain/Loss Fair Value Debentures	(26,154)	3,208	31,181
Property holding costs	8,674	5,299	4,196
Foreign exchange loss	2,749	872	(2,995)
Interest expense	8,891	9,207	12,037
Interest and other income	(229)	(362)	(197)
(Gain)/loss on sale of assets	(1,350)	(1,171)	304
Other (income)/expense	0	0	(1,142)
Income/(loss) before income tax	8,482	(9,128)	(27,418)
Income tax (expense)/benefit	(10,984)	(5,477)	18,515
Net income/(loss)	(2,502)	(14,605)	(8,903)
Net income/(loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(427)	(3,376)	2,524
Net income/(loss) attributable to Golden Star shareholders	(2,075)	(11,229)	(11,427)
Net income/(loss) per share attributable to Golden Star shareholders
Basic (Note 15)	$ (0.008)	$ (0.044)	$ (0.048)
Diluted (Note 15)	$ (0.008)	$ (0.044)	$ (0.048)
Weighted average shares outstanding (millions)	258.6	258.0	237.2
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted (millions)	258.6	258.0	237.2
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
Net income/(loss)	(2,502)	(14,605)	(8,903)
Unrealized (gain)/loss on investments (Note 7)	19	619	113
Comprehensive income/(loss)	(2,483)	(13,986)	(8,790)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Golden Star shareholders	(2,056)	(10,610)	(11,314)
Comprehensive (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(427)	(3,376)	2,524
Comprehensive income/(loss)	$ (2,483)	$ (13,986)	$ (8,790)