Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Market Making Revenue	$ 277	$ 28	$ 688	$ 416
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Principal Transactions Revenue	606	145	1,380	516
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Interest Income	372	352	758	658
Fair Value, Net Derivatives Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Market Making Revenue	138	999	(52)	2,190
Fair Value, Net Derivatives Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Principal Transactions Revenue	158	283	12	263
Cash Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Beginning Balance	33,526	32,528	32,207	34,879
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Beginning Balance	482	483	446	572
Net Realized Gains / (Losses)	509	334	912	735
Net Unrealized Gains / (Losses) Relating to Instruments Still Held at period-end	746	191	1,913	855
Purchases	2,856		7,452
Sales	(2,492)		(4,106)
Settlements	(1,378)		(2,956)
Net Purchases, Issuances and Settlements		(667)		(2,062)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of level 3	1,098	(435)	(557)	(2,456)
Net Realized (Gains) / Losses	1	(112)	(15)	(132)
Net Unrealized (Gains) / Losses Relating to Instruments Still Held at period-end	95	109	67	60
Net Purchases, Issuances and Settlements		113		169
Purchases	(130)		(193)
Sales	201		325
Settlements	(21)		(15)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of level 3	(16)	2	(3)	(74)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Ending Balance	34,865	31,951	34,865	31,951
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Ending Balance	612	595	612	595
Derivatives Net [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Derivative Contracts Net Value, Beginning Balance	6,803	6,336	7,562	5,196
Net Realized Gains / (Losses)	(160)	(104)	(133)	(401)
Net Unrealized Gains / (Losses) Relating to Instruments Still Held at period-end	456	1,386	93	2,852
Purchases	414		776
Sales	(575)		(843)
Settlements	59		(414)
Net Purchases, Issuances and Settlements		(89)		153
Net transfers In and/or (out) of level 3	(766)	343	(810)	72
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Derivative Contracts Net Value, Ending Balance	6,231	7,872	6,231	7,872
Securities purchased under agreements to resell at fair value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Beginning Balance	158	268	100
Net Realized Gains / (Losses)			2
Purchases	181		245
Settlements	(40)		(48)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of level 3		(268)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Ending Balance	299		299
Receivables from customers and counterparties at fair value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Beginning Balance	322	234	298	0
Net Realized Gains / (Losses)		5		10
Net Unrealized Gains / (Losses) Relating to Instruments Still Held at period-end	5	(21)	21	(48)
Purchases			14
Settlements	(6)		(12)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of level 3				256
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Ending Balance	321	218	321	218
Securities Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase At Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Beginning Balance	1,946	1,055	2,060	394
Net Purchases, Issuances and Settlements		531		1,025
Issuances	130		194
Settlements			(178)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of level 3		(167)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Ending Balance	2,076	1,419	2,076	1,419
Other Secured Financings At Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Beginning Balance	7,107	8,139	8,349	6,756
Net Realized (Gains) / Losses	9	12	9	21
Net Unrealized (Gains) / Losses Relating to Instruments Still Held at period-end	(5)	(50)	4	(39)
Net Purchases, Issuances and Settlements		38		1,174
Issuances	261		274
Settlements	(2,091)		(3,356)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of level 3	16	(53)	17	174
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Ending Balance	5,297	8,086	5,297	8,086
Unsecured Short-Term Borrowings Including Current Portion Of Unsecured Long Term Borrowings At Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Beginning Balance	3,209	2,994	3,476	2,310
Net Realized (Gains) / Losses	(41)	47	68	67
Net Unrealized (Gains) / Losses Relating to Instruments Still Held at period-end	82	(224)	(174)	(307)
Net Purchases, Issuances and Settlements		(224)		(267)
Purchases	(23)		(31)
Issuances	179		541
Settlements	(438)		(666)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of level 3	133	175	(113)	965
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Ending Balance	3,101	2,768	3,101	2,768
Unsecured Long-term Borrowings At Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Beginning Balance	2,404	1,715	2,104	3,077
Net Realized (Gains) / Losses	6	2	10	15
Net Unrealized (Gains) / Losses Relating to Instruments Still Held at period-end	117	(124)	162	(137)
Net Purchases, Issuances and Settlements		(53)		(19)
Purchases	(34)		(50)
Issuances	22		291
Settlements	(2)		(73)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of level 3	41	359	110	(1,037)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Ending Balance	2,554	1,899	2,554	1,899
Other Liabilities And Accrued Expenses At Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Beginning Balance	6,852	2,327	2,409	1,913
Net Realized (Gains) / Losses		2		5
Net Unrealized (Gains) / Losses Relating to Instruments Still Held at period-end	150	17	303	(47)
Net Purchases, Issuances and Settlements		21		22
Purchases			4,337
Settlements	(58)		(105)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of level 3		19		493
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value, Ending Balance	$ 6,944	$ 2,386	$ 6,944	$ 2,386

This item represents the amount of the total realized and unrealized gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income (or changes in net assets) in interest income; the fair value of which assets was or is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

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- Definition

This item represents the amount of the total realized and unrealized gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income (or changes in net assets) in market making revenues; the fair value of which assets was or is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ Details

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- Definition

This item represents the amount of the total realized and unrealized gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income (or changes in net assets) in other principal transactions revenues; the fair value of which assets was or is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInOtherPrincipalTransactionsRevenue
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- Definition

This element represents total net realized gains or losses for the period, arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings.

+ Details

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- Definition

This element represents total net unrealized gains or losses for the period relating to instruments still held at the reporting date, arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetNetUnrealizedGainLossIncludedInEarningsValue
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- Definition

Purchases that have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Sales that have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
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- Definition

Settlements that have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
Namespace Prefix:	gs
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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents total net realized gains or losses for the period, arising from derivative contracts net measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeContractsNetNetRealizedGainLossIncludedInEarnings
Namespace Prefix:	gs
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents total net unrealized gains or losses for the period relating to instruments still held at the reporting date, arising from derivative contracts net measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeContractsNetNetUnrealizedGainLossIncludedInEarningsValue
Namespace Prefix:	gs
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Purchases that have taken place during the period in relation to derivative contracts net measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeContractsNetPurchases
Namespace Prefix:	gs
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to derivative contracts net measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeContractsNetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Sales that have taken place during the period in relation to derivative contracts net measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeContractsNetSales
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Settlements that have taken place during the period in relation to derivative contracts net measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeContractsNetSettlements
Namespace Prefix:	gs
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents [net] transfers in to and out of derivative contracts net measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeContractsNetTransfersNet
Namespace Prefix:	gs
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents derivative contracts net measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeContractsNetValue
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Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Issues that have taken place during the period in relation to liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues
Namespace Prefix:	gs
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents total net realized gains or losses for the period, arising from liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityNetRealizedGainLossIncludedInEarnings
Namespace Prefix:	gs
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents total net unrealized gains or losses for the period relating to instruments still held at the reporting date, arising from liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityNetUnrealizedGainLossIncludedInEarnings
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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Purchases that have taken place during the period in relation to liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Sales that have taken place during the period in relation to liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales
Namespace Prefix:	gs
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Settlements that have taken place during the period in relation to liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements
Namespace Prefix:	gs
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents a liability measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue
Namespace Prefix:	gs
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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the amount of the total realized and unrealized gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income in market making revenues; the fair value of which net derivatives was or is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ Details

Name:	gs_FairValueNetDerivativesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInMarketMakingRevenue
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
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- Definition

This item represents the amount of the total realized and unrealized gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income in other principal transactions revenues; the fair value of which net derivatives was or is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ Details

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- Definition

This element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(2)

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- Definition

This element represents [net] transfers in to and out of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(3)

+ Details

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- Definition

This element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c

+ Details

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- Definition

This element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(2)

+ Details

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- Definition

This element represents [net] transfers in to and out of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(3)

+ Details

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