Name:	gsm_ForeignExchangeForwardContractsAssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	gsm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Foreign currency derivative instrument obligations meeting the definition of a liability which the Company is a party to as of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	gsm_ForeignExchangeForwardContractsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	gsm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Represents the fair value of liability which is classified as stock option.

No definition available.

Name:	gsm_LiabilityClassifiedStockOptions
Namespace Prefix:	gsm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Power hedge agreement related to a notional amount of electricity which fixes the power rate over the life of the long-term power contract entered into and existing as of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	gsm_PowerHedgesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	gsm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. This item represents the liability related to the issuance of restricted stock units. which is outstanding as of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	gsm_RestrictedStockUnitsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	gsm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

This element represents the aggregate of the assets reported on the balance sheet at period end measured at fair value by the entity. This element is intended to be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Name:	us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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

This element represents the aggregate of the liabilities reported on the balance sheet at period end measured at fair value by the entity. This element is intended to be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements.