Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Mar. 22, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 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	NYSEAMER
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
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
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 75,420
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	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Auditor Name	Plante & Moran, PLLC
Auditor Firm ID	166
Auditor Location	Denver, Colorado