Name:	gfi_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpenseContinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix:	gfi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of accretion expense for discontinuing operations, which includes, but is not limited to, accretion expense from asset retirement obligations, environmental remediation obligations, and other contingencies.

No definition available.

Name:	gfi_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpenseDiscontinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix:	gfi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of the Increase or Decrease in the amount of the asset retirement obligation of continuing operations during the current period for changes in the amount or timing of the estimated cash flows associated with the settlement of the obligation.

No definition available.

Name:	gfi_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimateContinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix:	gfi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Environmental Rehabilitation Provision

No definition available.

Name:	gfi_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedEnvironmentalRehabilitationProvision
Namespace Prefix:	gfi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Disposal group including discontinued operation asset retirement obligation.

No definition available.

Name:	gfi_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAssetRetirementObligation
Namespace Prefix:	gfi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of the Increase or Decrease in the amount of asset retirement obligations for the period associated with foreign currency translation (to the extent that the entity accounts for the foreign currency effects as a separate component of the change in the liability).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 410

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6392692&loc=d3e7535-110849

Name:	us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationForeignCurrencyTranslation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of asset retirement obligations settled, or otherwise disposed of, during the period. This may include asset retirement obligations transferred to third parties associated with the sale of a long-lived asset.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 410

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (c)(2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6392692&loc=d3e7535-110849

Name:	us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettled
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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

Amount of a reclamation and mine closing liability that is associated with a legal obligation for the closure and reclamation of a mine including the removal of buildings, equipment, machinery and other physical remnants of mining, closure of tailings impoundments, leach pads and other mine features, and contouring, covering and revegetation of waste rock piles and other disturbed areas.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.Y.Q2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011672&loc=d3e149879-122751