Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 105,729	$ 103,644
Accounts receivable	11,041	10,077
Inventories	88,109	74,297
Deposits	7,517	6,474
Prepaids and other	2,167	2,048
Total Current Assets	214,563	196,540
RESTRICTED CASH	1,273	1,273
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	255,910	252,131
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	4,212	5,266
MINING PROPERTIES	259,350	270,157
AVAILABLE FOR SALE INVESTMENTS	9,565	1,416
OTHER ASSETS	0	895
Total Assets	744,873	727,678
Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable	31,485	40,708
Accrued liabilities	52,791	51,380
Asset retirement obligations	8,256	8,996
Current tax liability	0	197
Current debt	57,476	128,459
Total Current Liabilities	150,008	229,740
LONG TERM DEBT	87,326	10,759
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	22,610	24,884
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY	39,455	23,993
Total Liabilities	299,399	289,376
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	0	0
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
First preferred shares, without par value, unlimited shares authorized. No shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common shares, without par value, unlimited shares authorized. Shares issued and outstanding: 258,861,960 at June 30, 2012; 258,669,487 at December 31, 2011	694,341	693,899
CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS	23,093	19,815
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)	(6,972)	1,978
DEFICIT	(264,515)	(276,112)
Total Golden Star Equity	445,947	439,580
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	(473)	(1,278)
Total Equity	445,474	438,302
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 744,873	$ 727,678