Gold Fields Management Scheme Options Outstanding (Detail) (GF Management Incentive Scheme)	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012 ZAR	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Range 1 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Range 1 ZAR	Dec. 31, 2012 Range 2 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Range 2 ZAR	Dec. 31, 2012 Range 3 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Range 3 ZAR	Dec. 31, 2012 Range 4 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Range 4 ZAR
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Outstanding and exercisable options, lower limit	63.65		$ 7.00	60.00	$ 9.93	85.00	$ 12.84	110.00	$ 15.76	135.00
Outstanding and exercisable options, upper limit	140.66		$ 9.92	84.99	$ 12.83	109.99	$ 15.75	134.99	$ 18.67	159.99
Outstanding and exercisable options, Number of options		75,500	34,500	34,500	21,800	21,800	14,000	14,000	5,200	5,200
Outstanding and exercisable options, weighted average exercise price	86.51	$ 10.09	$ 7.71	66.07	$ 10.48	89.80	$ 13.03	111.66	$ 16.41	140.66
Outstanding and exercisable options, contractual life	3 months 29 days		4 months 10 days	4 months 10 days	5 months 11 days	5 months 11 days	15 days	15 days	2 months 1 day	2 months 1 day

The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including vested options.

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