Interest and Other Income (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest and Other Income
Interest and Other Income	$ 0.9	$ 0.4

Represents the income recognized due to reduction of contingency liability related to foreign taxes withhold by the government

No definition available.

Name:	aumn_GainOnReductionOfContingentLiability
Namespace Prefix:	aumn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration