CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets	$ 235	$ 235
CURRENT ASSETS [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	61,020	78,884
Accounts receivable	11,980	11,896
Inventories	92,850	90,212
Deposits	7,912	8,600
Available for sale investments	9,416	15,034
Prepaids and other	4,173	2,666
Total Current Assets	187,586	207,527
RESTRICTED CASH	2,025	2,028
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	257,097	260,986
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	2,632	3,159
MINING PROPERTIES	255,338	252,176
Total Assets	704,678	725,876
CURRENT LIABILITIES [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	103,761	101,760
Asset retirement obligations	9,096	9,943
Current tax liability	14,414	12,393
Current debt	6,441	6,968
Total Current Liabilities	133,712	131,064
LONG TERM DEBT	101,509	110,507
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	24,768	24,170
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY	25,476	28,650
Total Liabilities	285,465	294,391
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: 259,105,970 at March 31, 2013; 259,015,970 at December 31, 2012	694,906	694,652
CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS	26,482	25,154
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	(6,334)	(716)
DEFICIT	(292,161)	(285,602)
Total Golden Star Equity	422,893	433,488
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	(3,680)	(2,003)
Total Equity	419,213	431,485
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 704,678	$ 725,876