Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,092	$ 616
Investments in marketable equity securities, at fair value	1,577	3,110
Royalty Sale Receivable		4,000
Prepaid expenses and other	115	210
Total current assets	3,784	7,936
Mineral properties	12,098	9,327
Investments in marketable equity securities, at fair value	2,396	3,983
Equity method investment	153	1,165
Other assets	1,069	1,072
Total assets	19,500	23,483
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	367	398
Short-term margin loan	802	1,500
Current portion long-term debt		727
Deferred income taxes		963
Other	84	103
Total current liabilities	1,253	3,691
Long-term debt, net of discount	3,144	2,437
Deferred income taxes
Deferred gain on sale of mineral property	7,000	7,000
Warrant liability	140	1,138
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares (none issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012)
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized, 100,000,000 shares (37,512,127 and 34,479,958 and , respectively, shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012)	375	345
Additional paid-in capital	51,963	47,107
Accumulated deficit	(44,730)	(42,678)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	460	3,914
Total Solitario shareholders’ equity	8,068	8,688
Noncontrolling interest	(105)	529
Total shareholders' equity	7,963	9,217
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 19,500	$ 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).