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Tax Years Open for Assessments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Maximum) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2012
South Africa |
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] |
Revenue authorities tax examination period | 3 years
Australia |
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] |
Revenue authorities tax examination period | 4 years
Peru |
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] |
Revenue authorities tax examination period | 4 years

X
- Definition The number of years after filing that the tax authorities are allowed to reopen, examine and, if necessary, amend the tax returns. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gfi_IncomeTaxReturnExaminationPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | gfi_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration