Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Entity Registrant Name	GSE SYSTEMS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000944480
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float	$ 40,048,374
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	18,363,728
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY