Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Aug. 05, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-13627
Entity Registrant Name	Golden Minerals Co
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	26-4413382
Entity Address, Address Line One	350 INDIANA STREET, SUITE 650
Entity Address, City or Town	GOLDEN
Entity Address, State or Province	CO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	80401
City Area Code	303
Local Phone Number	839-5060
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	AUMN
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		162,804,612
Entity Central Index Key	0001011509
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false