Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CURRENT ASSETS [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 78,884	$ 103,644
Accounts receivable	11,896	10,077
Inventories	90,212	74,297
Deferred tax assets	235	0
Deposits	8,600	6,474
Available for sale investments	15,034	1,416
Prepaids and other	2,666	2,048
Total Current Assets	207,527	197,956
RESTRICTED CASH	2,028	1,273
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	260,986	252,131
MINING PROPERTIES	252,176	270,157
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3,159	5,266
OTHER ASSETS	0	895
Total Assets	725,876	727,678
CURRENT LIABILITIES [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	101,760	92,088
Asset retirement obligations	9,943	8,996
Current tax liability	12,393	197
Current debt	6,968	128,459
Total Current Liabilities	131,064	229,740
LONG TERM DEBT	110,507	10,759
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	24,170	24,884
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY	28,650	23,993
Total Liabilities	294,391	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: 259,015,970 at December 31, 2012; 258,669,486 at December 31, 2011	694,652	693,899
CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS	25,154	19,815
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	(716)	1,978
DEFICIT	(285,602)	(276,112)
Total Golden Star Equity	433,488	439,580
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	(2,003)	(1,278)
Total Equity	431,485	438,302
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 725,876	$ 727,678