EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic	77,859,000	77,859,000	77,859,000
Stock options	0	175,000	8,000
Convertible bond	0	5,769,000	0
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted	77,859,000	83,803,000	77,867,000
Net (loss) income attributable to Frontline Ltd.	$ (529,601)	$ 161,407	$ 102,701
Interest expense relating to the convertible bond	0	7,228	0
Diluted net (loss) income attributable to Frontline Ltd.	$ (529,601)	$ 168,635	$ 102,701
Anti-dilutive shares	5,769,231

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Antidilution

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

+ Details

- Definition

Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of call options and warrants using the treasury stock method.

+ References

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-Glossary Treasury Stock Method

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6527216

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Warrant

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528364

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Call Option

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506649

+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Paragraph 1

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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

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-Appendix A

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-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

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-Glossary Net Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

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-Publisher FASB

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 5

-Section 03

-Paragraph 19

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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

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-Section 04

-Paragraph 20

-Article 9

+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

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+ Details