XML 56 R73.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Major Items Causing Income Tax Provision to Differ from South African Mining Statutory Rate (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Tax on (loss)/income before tax, impairment of investments in equity investees, share of equity investees' losses and discontinued operations at South African mining statutory rate | $ (36.8)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate |  | $ 55.3 us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate |  | $ (242.3)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate |
Rate adjustment to reflect company tax rates | 1.7 us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential |  | 25.5 us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential |  | 17.1 us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential |
Valuation allowance raised against deferred tax assets | (38.3)gfi_ValuationAllowanceRaised | [1] | (1.1)gfi_ValuationAllowanceRaised | [1] |  |
Reversal of valuation allowance previously raised against deferred tax assets |  |  |  |  | 58.2 gfi_ValuationAllowanceReversed | [2]
Non deductible expenditure | (18.0)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpense | [3] | (56.1)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpense | [3] | (12.5)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpense | [3]
Non taxable profit on disposal of investments and subsidiaries | 23.4 gfi_IncomeTaxReconciliationGainLossOnSaleOfInvestmentsAndSubsidiaries |  |  |  |  |
Non deductible exploration and feasibility and evaluation costs | (9.6)gfi_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExplorationFeasibilityAndEvaluationCost |  | (47.2)gfi_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExplorationFeasibilityAndEvaluationCost |  | (74.4)gfi_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExplorationFeasibilityAndEvaluationCost |
Non deductible share-based compensation | (6.2)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost |  | (11.5)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost |  | (12.9)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost |
Non deductible interest expense | (24.4)gfi_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleInterestExpense |  | (25.3)gfi_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleInterestExpense |  | (24.8)gfi_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleInterestExpense |
Deferred taxation raised on unremitted earnings | (7.0)gfi_IncreaseInDeferredTaxationOnUnremittedEarnings | [4] |  |  |  |
Prior year adjustment to deferred tax | (4.1)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationPriorYearIncomeTaxes |  |  |  |  |
Other | (2.3)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments |  | (11.4)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments |  | (2.5)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments |
Income and mining tax expense | (121.6)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit |  | (105.7)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit |  | (359.4)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit |
Cerro Corona |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Taxes [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Prior year adjustment to deferred tax |  |  | (29.5)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationPriorYearIncomeTaxes / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gfi_CerroCoronaMember | [5] |  |
Maximum mining statutory rate |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Taxes [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Statutory income tax rate | 34.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = gfi_MaximumMiningIncomeMember |  | 34.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = gfi_MaximumMiningIncomeMember |  | 34.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = gfi_MaximumMiningIncomeMember |
South Africa | Non-mining income standard tax rate |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Taxes [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Statutory income tax rate | 28.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = gfi_NonMiningIncomeMember / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_ZA |  | 28.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = gfi_NonMiningIncomeMember / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_ZA |  | 28.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = gfi_NonMiningIncomeMember / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_ZA |
South Africa | Non-mining companies |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Taxes [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Statutory income tax rate | 28.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = gfi_NonminingCompaniesMember / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_ZA |  | 28.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = gfi_NonminingCompaniesMember / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_ZA |  | 28.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = gfi_NonminingCompaniesMember / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_ZA |
Ghana |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Taxes [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Statutory income tax rate | 35.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_GH |  | 35.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_GH |  | 35.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_GH |
Australia |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Taxes [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Statutory income tax rate | 30.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_AU |  | 30.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_AU |  | 30.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_AU |
Peru |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Taxes [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Statutory income tax rate | 30.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_PE |  | 30.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_PE |  | 30.00%us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_PE |
South African and Ghanaian Operations [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Taxes [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred tax adjustment on changes in tax rates |  |  | $ (4.4)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = gfi_SouthAfricanAndGhanaianOperationsMember |  | $ (65.4)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = gfi_SouthAfricanAndGhanaianOperationsMember |
[1] | During fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Group raised a valuation allowance against unredeemed capital expenditure and net operating losses. In making this determination, the Group analyzed, amongst other things, the recent history of earnings and cashflows, forecasts of future earnings, the nature and timing of future deductions and benefits represented by deferred tax assets and the cumulative earnings for the last three years.
[2] | During fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Group reversed a portion of the valuation allowance against unredeemed capital expenditure and net operating losses to the extent that there is sufficient future taxable income. In making this determination, the Group analyzed, amongst other things, the recent history of earnings and cashflows, forecasts of future earnings, the nature and timing of future deductions and benefits represented by deferred tax assets and the cumulative earnings for the last three years.
[3] | The December 31, 2014: $18.0 million (December 31, 2013: $56.1 million and December 31, 2012: $12.5 million) non-deductible expenditure comprises mainly $1.8 million (December 31, 2013: $13.3 million and December 31, 2012: $6.0 million) of impairments, $nil (December 31, 2013: $8.0 million and December 31, 2012: $nil) of facility charges, $2.0 million (December 31, 2013: $8.2 million and December 31, 2012: $nil) of legal and consulting fees, $nil (December 31, 2013: $5.1 million and December 31, 2012: $nil) of stamp duty on the Yilgarn South assets acquisition and $7.0 million (December 31, 2013: $9.4 million and December 31, 2012: $12.8 million) of various Peruvian non-deductible expenses. There were no other individually significant amounts included in this line item.
[4] | Provision has been made for foreign taxes that may result from future remittances of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, where the Group is unable to assert that the undistributed earnings will be permanently reinvested. In all other cases, no provision is made for the income tax effect that may arise on the remittance of unremitted earnings by certain foreign subsidiaries. It is management's intention that these earnings will be permanently reinvested into future capital projects, maintenance capital and ongoing working capital funding requirements. In the event that the Group repatriated these earnings, income taxes and withholding taxes may be incurred. The determination of such taxes is subject to various complex calculations and ,accordingly, the Group has determined that it is impractical to estimate the amount of deferred tax liability on such unremitted earnings.
[5] | In connection with the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, the Group identified an understatement in the calculation of its deferred tax liabilities related to its Cerro Corona operations in Peru. Deferred tax amounting to $29.5 million was incorrectly recognised in prior years on the basis differences related to foreign nonmonetary assets and liabilities that are remeasured from the local currency into the functional currency. As a result, the deferred tax liability at December 31, 2012 was understated by $29.5 million. The Group applied SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements. SAB No. 108 states that registrants must quantify the impact of correcting all misstatements on all periods presented, including both the carryover (iron curtain method) and reversing (rollover method) effects of prior-year misstatements on the current-year financial statements, and by evaluating the misstatement measured under each method in light of quantitative and qualitative factors. In accordance with accounting guidance presented in ASC 250-10 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, Materiality, the Group assessed the materiality of the misstatement and concluded that it was not material to Group's current-year financial statements, taken as a whole. Under SAB No. 108, prior-year misstatements may be corrected in the current- year provided that such correction does not result in a material misstatement to the current-year financial statements. Correcting current-year financial statements for such "immaterial errors" does not require previously filed reports to be amended. The Group corrected the misstatement in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 as an "out-of-period" adjustment of $29.5 million.

X
- Details
Name: | gfi_IncomeTaxesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | gfi_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Income tax reconciliation, gain loss on sale of investments and subsidiaries. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gfi_IncomeTaxReconciliationGainLossOnSaleOfInvestmentsAndSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix: | gfi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total non-deductible costs incurred for purposes of upgrading resources from one category to another or for purposes of upgrading resources to proven and probable reserves, even when in close proximity to the company's development and production stage properties, as well as non-deductible feasibility and evaluation cost + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gfi_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExplorationFeasibilityAndEvaluationCost
Namespace Prefix: | gfi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible interest on borrowings. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gfi_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleInterestExpense
Namespace Prefix: | gfi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Increase in deferred taxation on unremitted earnings. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gfi_IncreaseInDeferredTaxationOnUnremittedEarnings
Namespace Prefix: | gfi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Valuation allowance raised. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gfi_ValuationAllowanceRaised
Namespace Prefix: | gfi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Valuation allowance reversed. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gfi_ValuationAllowanceReversed
Namespace Prefix: | gfi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of domestic federal statutory tax rate applicable to pretax income (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32687-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34349781&loc=d3e330036-122817 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32698-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Article 4 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Income Tax Expense (or Benefit) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515339 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a),(b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations, attributable to increase (decrease) in the income tax rates. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32687-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32698-109319 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=37586315&loc=d3e32059-109318 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to foreign income tax expense (benefit). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32687-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32698-109319 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Subparagraph 1 -Article 4 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of income tax expense or benefit for the period computed by applying the domestic federal statutory tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32687-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32698-109319 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Subparagraph 2 -Article 4 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible expenses. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32687-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32698-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible equity-based compensation costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32687-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32698-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to other adjustments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32687-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to revisions of previously reported income tax expense (benefit). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32687-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32698-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationPriorYearIncomeTaxes
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=gfi_MaximumMiningIncomeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=gfi_CerroCoronaMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_AU
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_GH
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_PE
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_ZA
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=gfi_SouthAfricanAndGhanaianOperationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |