DEBT - Assets Pledged (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) vessel	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) vessel
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of vessels serving as security \| vessel	45	40
Vessels and equipment, net \| $	$ 1,764,813	$ 1,488,205

Carrying amount at the balance sheet date of vessels and other long-lived depreciable physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, net of accumulated depreciation on vessels and equipments.

No definition available.

Name:	gogl_VesselsAndEquipmentNet
Namespace Prefix:	gogl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant