Operations By Segment And Geographic Area (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 136,313	$ 109,807	$ 267,333	$ 226,313
Net income/(loss) attributable to Golden Star	2,483	(5,048)	11,597	880
Income tax expense	(2,931)	(3,801)	(15,462)	(8,106)
Capital expenditure	14,818	19,142	39,483	37,894
Total assets	744,873	717,121	744,873	717,121	727,678
Bogoso/Prestea
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	70,563	51,609	140,158	94,097
Net income/(loss) attributable to Golden Star	6,690	(8,166)	12,162	(15,770)
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Capital expenditure	5,748	12,508	20,705	20,850
Total assets	429,103	359,857	429,103	359,857
Wassa/HBB
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	65,750	58,198	127,175	132,216
Net income/(loss) attributable to Golden Star	5,653	8,374	6,505	19,015
Income tax expense	(2,931)	(3,801)	(15,462)	(8,106)
Capital expenditure	9,067	6,456	18,775	16,769
Total assets	231,102	247,332	231,102	247,332
Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Net income/(loss) attributable to Golden Star	(604)	(675)	(1,715)	(1,380)
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Capital expenditure	0	178	0	275
Total assets	1,870	4,255	1,870	4,255
South America
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Net income/(loss) attributable to Golden Star	(159)	(167)	(281)	(264)
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Capital expenditure	0	0	0	0
Total assets	187	(253)	187	(253)
Corporate [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Net income/(loss) attributable to Golden Star	(9,097)	(4,414)	(5,074)	(721)
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Capital expenditure	3	0	3	0
Total assets	$ 82,611	$ 105,930	$ 82,611	$ 105,930