XML 123 R7.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data
Total
Yilgarn South
Sibanye Gold
Share capital
Share capital
Yilgarn South
Additional paid-in capital
Additional paid-in capital
Yilgarn South
Additional paid-in capital
Sibanye Gold
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income
Sibanye Gold
Gold Field's shareholders equity
Gold Field's shareholders equity
Yilgarn South
Gold Field's shareholders equity
Sibanye Gold
Non-controlling interests
Share of equity investee's other comprehensive income
Mark-to-market of listed investments
Foreign exchange translation
Foreign exchange translation
Sibanye Gold
BEGINNING BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2011 $ 5,852.3us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest     $ 59.0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
  $ 5,374.6us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
    $ 772.5us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
$ (423.3)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  $ 5,782.8us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    $ 69.5us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
$ (14.4)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= gfi_AccumulatedOtherChangesMember
$ (21.6)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
$ (387.2)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
BEGINNING BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011       723,735,186us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
                             
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications                   (225.6)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            18.7us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
(244.3)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
Net income / (loss) 652.5us-gaap_ProfitLoss               654.3us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
    654.3us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    (1.8)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
Mark-to-market of listed investments 18.7us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax [1]                 18.7us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            18.7us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
   
Dividends declared (372.7)us-gaap_DividendsCash               (364.2)us-gaap_DividendsCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
    (364.2)us-gaap_DividendsCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    (8.5)us-gaap_DividendsCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
Foreign exchange translation (205.1)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax                 (244.3)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
              (244.3)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
Other comprehensive income/ (loss) reclassified to statement of operations                   (4.2)us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            (4.2)us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
   
Share-based compensation 77.7us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue         77.7us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
          77.7us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
             
Realized gain on disposal of listed investments (14.7)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax [2]                 (14.7)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            (14.7)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
   
Exercise of employee share options 2.0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised     2.0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
              2.0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
             
Impairment of listed investments 10.5us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForWritedownOfSecuritiesNetOfTax [3]                 10.5us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForWritedownOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            10.5us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForWritedownOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
   
Exercise of employee share options (in shares)       5,801,627us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
                             
Purchase of noncontrolling interests (8.2)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions               (8.3)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
    (8.3)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    0.1us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
Net current year other comprehensive income/(loss) (190.6)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax [4]                 (229.7)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
[4]   (229.7)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
[4]     39.1us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
[4]   14.5us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
(244.3)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
Receipt of funds from noncontrolling interests 27.7gfi_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromFunding                           27.7gfi_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromFunding
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
ENDING BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2012 6,040.7us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest     61.0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
  5,452.3us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
    1,054.3us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(653.0)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  5,914.6us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    126.1us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(14.4)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= gfi_AccumulatedOtherChangesMember
(7.1)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
(631.5)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
ENDING BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012       729,536,813us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
                             
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications                   (749.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            (1.3)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
(748.1)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
Net income / (loss) (266.1)us-gaap_ProfitLoss               (247.9)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
    (247.9)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    (18.2)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
Mark-to-market of listed investments (1.3)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax [1]                 (1.3)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            (1.3)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
   
Dividends declared (62.3)us-gaap_DividendsCash               (61.2)us-gaap_DividendsCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
    (61.2)us-gaap_DividendsCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    (1.1)us-gaap_DividendsCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
Foreign exchange translation (748.1)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax                 (748.1)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
              (748.1)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
Spin-off transaction     (1,033.7)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteSpinoffTransaction
/ invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis
= gfi_SibanyeGoldMember
        (1,184.2)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteSpinoffTransaction
/ invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis
= gfi_SibanyeGoldMember
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
    150.5us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteSpinoffTransaction
/ invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis
= gfi_SibanyeGoldMember
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
    (1,033.7)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteSpinoffTransaction
/ invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis
= gfi_SibanyeGoldMember
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
         
Other comprehensive income/ (loss) reclassified to statement of operations                   2.9us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
150.5us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax
/ invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis
= gfi_SibanyeGoldMember
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
          2.9us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
  150.5us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax
/ invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis
= gfi_SibanyeGoldMember
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
Share-based compensation 45.1us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue         45.1us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
          45.1us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
             
Realized gain on disposal of listed investments (7.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax [2]                 (7.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            (7.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
   
Exercise of employee share options 0.4us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised     0.4us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
              0.4us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
             
Impairment of listed investments 10.3us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForWritedownOfSecuritiesNetOfTax [3]                 10.3us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForWritedownOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            10.3us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForWritedownOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
   
Exercise of employee share options (in shares)       8,905,790us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
                             
Purchase of noncontrolling interests (12.8)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions               (4.1)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
    (4.1)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    (8.7)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
Transactions with noncontrolling interests (1.1)gfi_TransactionsWithNoncontrollingInterests                           (1.1)gfi_TransactionsWithNoncontrollingInterests
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
Acquisition of assets, values   127.3us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= gfi_YilgarnSouthMember
    1.5us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= gfi_YilgarnSouthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
  125.8us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= gfi_YilgarnSouthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
          127.3us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= gfi_YilgarnSouthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
           
Acquisition of assets, shares         28,717,660us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= gfi_YilgarnSouthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
                           
Net current year other comprehensive income/(loss) (746.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax                 (746.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  (746.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
        1.6us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
(748.1)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
Receipt of funds from noncontrolling interests 6.8gfi_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromFunding                           6.8gfi_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromFunding
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
ENDING BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2013 4,097.8us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest     62.9us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
  4,439.0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
    741.1us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(1,249.0)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  3,994.0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    103.8us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(14.4)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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(5.5)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
(1,229.1)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
ENDING BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013 767,160,263us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued     767,160,263us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
                             
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications                   (367.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            6.9us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
(374.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
Net income / (loss) (25.2)us-gaap_ProfitLoss               (27.2)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
    (27.2)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    2.0us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
Mark-to-market of listed investments 6.9us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax [1]                 6.9us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            6.9us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
   
Dividends declared (40.5)us-gaap_DividendsCash               (29.8)us-gaap_DividendsCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
    (29.8)us-gaap_DividendsCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    (10.7)us-gaap_DividendsCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
Foreign exchange translation (374.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax                 (374.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
              (374.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
Other comprehensive income/ (loss) reclassified to statement of operations                   (0.9)us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            (0.9)us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
   
Share-based compensation 26.0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue         26.0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
          26.0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
             
Realized gain on disposal of listed investments (1.8)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax [2]                 (1.8)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            (1.8)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
   
Exercise of employee share options 0.1us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised     0.1us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
              0.1us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
             
Impairment of listed investments 0.9us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForWritedownOfSecuritiesNetOfTax [3]                 0.9us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForWritedownOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
            0.9us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForWritedownOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
   
Exercise of employee share options (in shares)       4,256,228us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
                             
Disposal of noncontrolling interests (0.5)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation                           (0.5)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
Net current year other comprehensive income/(loss) (368.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax                 (368.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  (368.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
        6.0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
(374.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
Receipt of funds from noncontrolling interests 2.0gfi_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromFunding                           2.0gfi_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromFunding
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
       
ENDING BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2014 $ 3,691.3us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest     $ 63.0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
  $ 4,465.0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
    $ 684.1us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
$ (1,617.4)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  $ 3,594.7us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
    $ 96.6us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
$ (14.4)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= gfi_AccumulatedOtherChangesMember
$ 0.5us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember
$ (1,603.5)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember
 
ENDING BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014 771,416,491us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued     771,416,491us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
                             
[1] Includes deferred tax of $nil (2013: $1.7 million and 2012: $1.0 million).
[2] This amount has been reclassified to and included in the profit on disposal of investments and subsidiaries line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
[3] This amount has been reclassified to and included in the impairment of investments line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
[4] Noncontrolling interests of other comprehensive (loss)/income relates to foreign exchange.