Value added tax receivable (Details)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Value added tax receivable, net
Expected period within which current amount of VAT will be recovered	1 year
VAT receivables offset against VAT payable	$ 49,000

Represents the expected period within which current amount of value added tax will be recovered through ongoing applications for refunds.

No definition available.

Name:	aumn_ExpectedPeriodWithinWhichCurrentAmountOfValueAddedTaxWillBeRecovered
Namespace Prefix:	aumn_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration