PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
GFI'S net (loss) income	$ (9,953)	$ (3,181)	$ 25,615
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:
Income from equity method investments	575	1,223	(29)
Amortization of loan fees	2,175	1,709	939
Share-based compensation	32,404	32,772	26,674
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other assets	(46,515)	(44,956)	(34,368)
Other liabilities	71	(10,553)	5,362
Cash provided by operating activities	48,665	4,579	96,106
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash used in investing activities	(15,505)	(46,245)	(58,774)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of short-term borrowings	(195,000)	(190,000)	(40,000)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	195,000	55,000	60,000
Proceeds from long-term obligations		250,000
Repayment of long-term obligations		(60,000)
Purchases of treasury stock	(12,939)	(35,868)	(22,609)
Cash dividends paid	(29,566)	(24,180)	(54,658)
Payment of loan fees	(134)	(8,891)	(2,719)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	30	75	645
Cash used in financing activities	(55,070)	(26,423)	(68,107)
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(18,438)	(67,996)	(28,504)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	245,879	313,875	342,379
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	227,441	245,879	313,875
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE:
Interest paid	25,240	17,525	11,391
Parent Company
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
GFI'S net (loss) income	(9,953)	(3,181)	25,615
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:
Income from equity method investments	10,163	12,097	33,957
Amortization of loan fees	2,175	1,709	939
Share-based compensation	386	449	315
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other assets	(5,942)	(8,338)	(1,880)
Other liabilities	(4,477)	5,683	201
Cash provided by operating activities	(27,974)	(15,775)	(8,767)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investments in subsidiaries	684	138	963
Receipts from subsidiaries	69,988	28,876	59,745
Cash used in investing activities	70,672	29,014	60,708
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of short-term borrowings	195,000	(190,000)	(40,000)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	(195,000)	55,000	60,000
Proceeds from long-term obligations		250,000
Repayment of long-term obligations		(60,000)
Purchases of treasury stock	(12,939)	(35,868)	(22,609)
Cash dividends paid	(29,566)	(24,180)	(54,658)
Payment of loan fees	(134)	(8,891)	(2,720)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	30	75	645
Cash used in financing activities	(42,609)	(13,864)	(59,342)
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	89	(625)	(7,401)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	127	752	8,153
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	216	127	752
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE:
Interest paid	$ 22,845	$ 12,614	$ 8,778