Consolildated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,368	$ 616
Investments in marketable equity securities, at fair value	1,313	3,110
Royalty sale receivable		4,000
Prepaid expenses and other	122	210
Total current assets	4,803	7,936
Mineral properties	11,438	9,327
Investments in marketable equity securities, at fair value	2,477	3,983
Equity method investment	270	1,165
Other assets	830	1,072
Total assets	19,818	23,483
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	381	398
Short-term margin loan		1,500
Current portion long-term debt	714	727
Deferred income taxes		963
Other	127	103
Total current liabilities	1,222	3,691
Long-term debt, net of discount	3,972	2,437
Deferred gain on sale of mineral property	7,000	7,000
Warrant liability	185	1,138
Total non-current liabilities	11,157	10,575
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares (none issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012)
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares (37,184,350 and 34,479,958, respectively, shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012)	372	345
Additional paid-in capital	50,196	47,107
Accumulated deficit	(44,309)	(42,678)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,089	3,914
Total Solitario shareholders’ equity	7,348	8,688
Noncontrolling interest	91	529
Total shareholders’ equity	7,439	9,217
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 19,818	$ 23,483

Name:	us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).