CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CURRENT ASSETS [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 106,322	$ 103,644
Accounts receivable	8,113	10,077
Inventories	91,876	74,297
Deposits	8,505	6,474
Available for sale investments	17,817	1,416
Prepaids and other	2,173	2,048
Total Current Assets	234,806	197,956
RESTRICTED CASH	2,028	1,273
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	256,338	252,131
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3,685	5,266
MINING PROPERTIES	252,496	270,157
OTHER ASSETS	0	895
Total Assets	749,353	727,678
CURRENT LIABILITIES [Abstract]
Accounts payable	28,829	40,708
Accrued liabilities	53,981	51,380
Asset retirement obligations	7,886	8,996
Current tax liability	0	197
Current debt	51,270	128,459
Total Current Liabilities	141,966	229,740
LONG TERM DEBT	116,642	10,759
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	22,716	24,884
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY	43,457	23,993
Total Liabilities	324,781	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: 258,950,971 at September 30, 2012; 258,669,487 at December 31, 2011	694,480	693,899
CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS	23,903	19,815
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	1,707	1,978
DEFICIT	(294,722)	(276,112)
Total Golden Star Equity	425,368	439,580
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	(796)	(1,278)
Total Equity	424,572	438,302
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 749,353	$ 727,678