<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <Version>2.4.0.8</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>Html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>381</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>510</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>104</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>14</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0010 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/BalanceSheet</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0015 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0020 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/StatementOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Income</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0030 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/StatementOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0035 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/StatementOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0040 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0050 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/CashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1010 - Disclosure - NATURE OF BUSINESS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfBusiness</Role>
      <ShortName>NATURE OF BUSINESS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1020 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1030 - Disclosure - INVENTORIES, NET</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureInventoriesNet</Role>
      <ShortName>INVENTORIES, NET</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1040 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAXES</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1050 - Disclosure - GOODWILL, BRANDS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillBrandsAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNet</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL, BRANDS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1060 - Disclosure - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet</Role>
      <ShortName>PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1070 - Disclosure - DEFERRED REVENUE AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureDeferredRevenueAndOtherCurrentLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>DEFERRED REVENUE AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1080 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT / INTEREST EXPENSE</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtInterestExpense</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT / INTEREST EXPENSE</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1090 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsAndFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1100 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM LEASE OBLIGATIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureLongTermLeaseObligations</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM LEASE OBLIGATIONS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1110 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1120 - Disclosure - PREFERRED STOCK</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosurePreferredStock</Role>
      <ShortName>PREFERRED STOCK</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1130 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1140 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1150 - Disclosure - RETIREMENT PLANS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureRetirementPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>RETIREMENT PLANS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1160 - Disclosure - SEGMENTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureSegments</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENTS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1170 - Disclosure - FRANCHISE REVENUE</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureFranchiseRevenue</Role>
      <ShortName>FRANCHISE REVENUE</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1180 - Disclosure - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions</Role>
      <ShortName>RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1190 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1200 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>SUBSEQUENT EVENTS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1210 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GNC HOLDINGS, INC.</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureCondensedFinancialInformationOfGNCHoldingsInc</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GNC HOLDINGS, INC.</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1220 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureValuationAndQualifyingAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2020 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3030 - Disclosure - INVENTORIES, NET (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureInventoriesNetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>INVENTORIES, NET (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3040 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAXES (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3050 - Disclosure - GOODWILL, BRANDS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillBrandsAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL, BRANDS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3060 - Disclosure - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3070 - Disclosure - DEFERRED REVENUE AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureDeferredRevenueAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>DEFERRED REVENUE AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3080 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT / INTEREST EXPENSE (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtInterestExpenseTables</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT / INTEREST EXPENSE (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3090 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsAndFinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3100 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureLongTermLeaseObligationsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3130 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3140 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3150 - Disclosure - RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureRetirementPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3160 - Disclosure - SEGMENTS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureSegmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENTS (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3170 - Disclosure - FRANCHISE REVENUE (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureFranchiseRevenueTables</Role>
      <ShortName>FRANCHISE REVENUE (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3190 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4010 - Disclosure - NATURE OF BUSINESS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfBusinessDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>NATURE OF BUSINESS (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4011 - Disclosure - NATURE OF BUSINESS (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfBusinessDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>NATURE OF BUSINESS (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4020 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4021 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4022 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4023 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 4)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4024 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 5)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails5</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 5)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4030 - Disclosure - INVENTORIES, NET (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureInventoriesNetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INVENTORIES, NET (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4040 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAXES (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4041 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAXES (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4050 - Disclosure - GOODWILL, BRANDS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillBrandsAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL, BRANDS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4051 - Disclosure - GOODWILL, BRANDS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillBrandsAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL, BRANDS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4052 - Disclosure - GOODWILL, BRANDS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillBrandsAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL, BRANDS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4060 - Disclosure - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4070 - Disclosure - DEFERRED REVENUE AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureDeferredRevenueAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>DEFERRED REVENUE AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4080 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT / INTEREST EXPENSE (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtInterestExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT / INTEREST EXPENSE (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4090 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsAndFinancialInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4091 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsAndFinancialInstrumentsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4100 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureLongTermLeaseObligationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4110 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4120 - Disclosure - PREFERRED STOCK (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosurePreferredStockDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>PREFERRED STOCK (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4130 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4140 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationPlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4141 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationPlansDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4150 - Disclosure - RETIREMENT PLANS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureRetirementPlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>RETIREMENT PLANS (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4151 - Disclosure - RETIREMENT PLANS (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureRetirementPlansDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>RETIREMENT PLANS (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4160 - Disclosure - SEGMENTS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureSegmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENTS (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4161 - Disclosure - SEGMENTS (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureSegmentsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENTS (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4170 - Disclosure - FRANCHISE REVENUE (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureFranchiseRevenueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>FRANCHISE REVENUE (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4180 - Disclosure - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4190 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4200 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4210 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GNC HOLDINGS, INC. (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureCondensedFinancialInformationOfGNCHoldingsIncDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GNC HOLDINGS, INC. (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4211 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GNC HOLDINGS, INC. (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureCondensedFinancialInformationOfGNCHoldingsIncDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GNC HOLDINGS, INC. (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4212 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GNC HOLDINGS, INC. (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureCondensedFinancialInformationOfGNCHoldingsIncDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GNC HOLDINGS, INC. (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4213 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GNC HOLDINGS, INC. (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureCondensedFinancialInformationOfGNCHoldingsIncDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GNC HOLDINGS, INC. (Details 4)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4220 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.gnc.com/role/DisclosureValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element gnc_DebtInstrumentAdditionalMarginAddedToFixedAndVariableRateBasis had a mix of decimals attribute values: 3 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate had a mix of decimals attribute values: 3 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTranslationAdjustments had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum had a mix of decimals attribute values: 3 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '4010 - Disclosure - NATURE OF BUSINESS (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4023 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 4)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4041 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4052 - Disclosure - GOODWILL, BRANDS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Details 3)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4060 - Disclosure - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4080 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT / INTEREST EXPENSE (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4100 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '4130 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4140 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4161 - Disclosure - SEGMENTS (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4170 - Disclosure - FRANCHISE REVENUE (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '4180 - Disclosure - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '4213 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GNC HOLDINGS, INC. (Details 4)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0010 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2010'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0015 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Apr. 30, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0020 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Income</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0030 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0035 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0050 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>gnc-20131231.xml</File>
    <File>gnc-20131231.xsd</File>
    <File>gnc-20131231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>gnc-20131231_def.xml</File>
    <File>gnc-20131231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>gnc-20131231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
