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Label Element Value
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Registrant Name dei_EntityRegistrantName GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
Prospectus Date rr_ProspectusDate Apr. 27, 2012
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio–Summary
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock The Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio. You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A Shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Goldman Sachs Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Shareholder Guide–Common Questions Applicable to the Purchase of Class A Shares” beginning on page 113 of this Prospectus and “Other Information Regarding Maximum Sales Charge, Purchases, Redemptions, Exchanges and Dividends” beginning on page B-155 of the Portfolio’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination April 27, 2013
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading Portfolio Turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock The Portfolio does not pay transaction costs when it buys and sells shares of the Underlying Funds (as defined below). However, each Underlying Fund pays transaction costs when it buys and sells securities or instruments (i.e., “turns over” its portfolio). A high rate of portfolio turnover may result in increased transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, which must be borne by the Underlying Fund and its shareholders, including the Portfolio, and is also likely to result in higher short-term capital gains for taxable shareholders. These costs are not reflected in annual Portfolio operating expenses or in the expense example above, but are reflected in the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 was 18% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 18.00%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block] rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock A contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase, declining from a rate of 5% in the first year to 1% in the sixth year, and eliminated thereafter. A CDSC of 1% is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase.
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A Shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Goldman Sachs Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Shareholder Guide–Common Questions Applicable to the Purchase of Class A Shares” beginning on page 113 of this Prospectus and “Other Information Regarding Maximum Sales Charge, Purchases, Redemptions, Exchanges and Dividends” beginning on page B-155 of the Portfolio’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount 50,000
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratios of net and total expenses to average net assets provided in the Financial Highlights, which reflect the operating expenses of the Portfolio and do not include Acquired (Underlying) Fund Fees and Expenses.
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading Expense Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

This Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Class A, Class B, Class C, Institutional, Service, Class IR and/or Class R Shares of the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Class A, Class B, Class C, Institutional, Service, Class IR and/or Class R Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same (except that the Example incorporates the expense limitation arrangement for only the first year). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Principal Strategy
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of underlying funds that currently exist or that may become available for investment in the future for which GSAM or an affiliate now or in the future acts as investment adviser or principal underwriter (the “Underlying Funds”). Some of the Underlying Funds invest primarily in fixed income or money market instruments (the “Underlying Fixed Income Funds”) and other Underlying Funds invest primarily in equity securities (the “Underlying Equity Funds”).

Under normal conditions, substantially all (within a range of 80%-100%) of the Portfolio’s total assets will be allocated among Underlying Equity Funds. The Portfolio’s investment in any of the Underlying Funds may exceed 25% of its assets. The Investment Adviser expects that the Portfolio will invest a relatively significant percentage of its assets in the Goldman Sachs Structured Large Cap Growth, Goldman Sachs Structured Large Cap Value and Goldman Sachs Structured International Equity Funds.

THE PARTICULAR UNDERLYING FUNDS IN WHICH THE PORTFOLIO MAY INVEST, THE EQUITY/FIXED INCOME TARGETS AND RANGES AND INVESTMENTS IN EACH UNDERLYING FUND MAY BE CHANGED FROM TIME TO TIME WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL OR NOTICE.

Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Principal Risks of the Portfolio:
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Portfolio. An investment in the Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any government agency. The Portfolio should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. Stated allocations may be subject to change. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.

Affiliated Persons. The Investment Adviser will have the authority to select and substitute Underlying Funds. The Investment Adviser and/or its affiliates are compensated by the Portfolios and by the Underlying Funds for advisory and/or principal underwriting services provided. The Investment Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Portfolio assets among the various Underlying Funds both because the fees payable to it and/or its affiliates by Underlying Funds differ and because the Investment Adviser and its affiliates are also responsible for managing the Underlying Funds. The portfolio managers may also be subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Portfolio assets among the various Underlying Funds because the Portfolio’s portfolio management team may also manage some of the Underlying Funds. The Trustees and officers of the Goldman Sachs Trust may also have conflicting interests in fulfilling their fiduciary duties to both the Portfolios and the Underlying Funds for which GSAM or its affiliates now or in the future serve as investment adviser or principal underwriter.

Expenses. By investing in the Underlying Funds indirectly through the Portfolio, the investor will incur not only a proportionate share of the expenses of the Underlying Funds held by the Portfolio (including operating costs and investment management fees), but also expenses of the Portfolio.

Investing in the Underlying Funds. The investments of the Portfolio are concentrated in the Underlying Funds, and the Portfolio’s investment performance is directly related to the investment performance of the Underlying Funds it holds. The ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective is directly related to the ability of the Underlying Funds to meet their objectives as well as the allocation among those Underlying Funds by the Investment Adviser.

Investments of the Underlying Funds. Because the Portfolio invests in the Underlying Funds, the Portfolio’s shareholders will be affected by the investment policies and practices of the Underlying Funds in direct proportion to the amount of assets the Portfolio allocates to those Underlying Funds. See the “Principal Risks of the Underlying Funds” below.

Temporary Investments. Although the Portfolios normally seek to remain substantially invested in the Underlying Funds, each Portfolio may invest a portion of its assets in high-quality, short-term debt obligations to maintain liquidity, to meet shareholder redemptions and for other short-term cash needs. For temporary defensive purposes during abnormal market or economic conditions, a Portfolio may invest without limitation in short-term obligations. When a Portfolio’s assets are invested in such investments, the Portfolio may not be achieving its investment objective.

Principal Risks of the Underlying Funds:

The target and actual asset allocation percentages, the selection of Underlying Funds and the investments in the Underlying Funds are subject to change. Such changes may cause the Portfolio to be subject to additional or different risks than the risks listed below.

Derivatives Risk. The risk that loss may result from an Underlying Fund’s investments in options, futures, swaps, structured securities and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be illiquid, difficult to price and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses to an Underlying Fund. Derivatives are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will not fulfill its contractual obligation.

Foreign and Emerging Countries Risk. Foreign securities may be subject to risk of loss because of more or less foreign government regulation, less public information and less economic, political and social stability in the countries in which the Underlying Fund invests. Loss may also result from the imposition of exchange controls, confiscations and other government restrictions, or from problems in registration, settlement or custody. Foreign risk also involves the risk of negative foreign currency rate fluctuations, which may cause the value of securities denominated in such foreign currency (or other instruments through which the Underlying Fund has exposure to foreign currencies) to decline in value. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. To the extent the Underlying Fund also invests in issuers located in emerging countries, these risks may be more pronounced.

Investment Style Risk. Different investment styles (e.g., “growth”, “value” or “quantitative”) tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market and economic conditions and investor sentiment. An Underlying Fund may outperform or underperform other funds that invest in similar asset classes but employ different investment styles.

Liquidity Risk. The risk that an Underlying Fund may make investments that may be illiquid or that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. Illiquid investments may be more difficult to value. Liquidity risk may also refer to the risk that an Underlying Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. To meet redemption requests, an Underlying Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.

Market Risk. The value of the instruments in which an Underlying Fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies, particular sectors or governments and/or general economic conditions.

Non-Diversification Risk. Certain of the Underlying Funds are non-diversified and are permitted to invest more of their assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Thus, such an Underlying Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.

Stock Risk. Stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again in the future.

Further Information on Investment Objectives, Strategies and Risks of the Underlying Funds. A concise description of the investment objectives, practices and risks of each of the Underlying Funds that are currently expected to be used for investment by the Portfolio as of the date of this Prospectus is provided beginning on page 69 of this Prospectus.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Portfolio.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text] rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus Non-Diversification Risk. Certain of the Underlying Funds are non-diversified and are permitted to invest more of their assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds. Thus, such an Underlying Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution An investment in the Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing: (a) changes in the performance of the Portfolio’s Class A Shares from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of the Portfolio’s Class A, Class B, Class C, Institutional, Service, Class IR and Class R Shares compare to those of certain broad-based securities market indices and to the Equity Growth Strategy Composite Index, a composite representation prepared by the Investment Adviser of the performance of the Portfolio’s asset classes weighted according to their respective weightings in the Portfolio’s target range. The Equity Growth Strategy Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500® Index (50%) and the MSCI® EAFE® Index (50%). The Portfolio’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost at www.goldmansachsfunds.com/performance or by calling the appropriate phone number on the back cover of this prospectus.

The bar chart (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) does not reflect the sales loads applicable to Class A Shares. If the sales loads were reflected, returns would be less. Performance reflects expense limitations in effect.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing: (a) changes in the performance of the Portfolio’s Class A Shares from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of the Portfolio’s Class A, Class B, Class C, Institutional, Service, Class IR and Class R Shares compare to those of certain broad-based securities market indices and to the Equity Growth Strategy Composite Index, a composite representation prepared by the Investment Adviser of the performance of the Portfolio’s asset classes weighted according to their respective weightings in the Portfolio’s target range.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress www.goldmansachsfunds.com/performance
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture The Portfolio’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading TOTAL RETURN CALENDAR YEAR (CLASS A)
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads The bar chart (including “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” information) does not reflect the sales loads applicable to Class A Shares. If the sales loads were reflected, returns would be less.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock Best Quarter
Q2 ’09   +20.94%
Worst Quarter
Q4 ’08    –23.84%
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
For the period ended December 31, 2011
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Portfolio shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown The after-tax returns are for Class A Shares only. The after-tax returns for Class B, Class C, Institutional, Service, Class IR and Class R Shares will vary.
Performance Table Narrative rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock The after-tax returns are for Class A Shares only. The after-tax returns for Class B, Class C, Institutional, Service, Class IR and Class R Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Portfolio shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock Updated performance information is available at no cost at www.goldmansachsfunds.com/performance or by calling the appropriate phone number on the back cover of this prospectus.
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | Class A Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.50%
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none [1]
Management Fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.15%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other Expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Service Fees rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets none
Shareholder Administration Fees rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssets none
All Other Expenses rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Acquired (Underlying) Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.75%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.41% [2]
Expense Limitation rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.07%) [3]
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Expense Limitation rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.34% [2]
1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 679
3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 966
5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,273
10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,144
2002 rr_AnnualReturn2002 (16.54%)
2003 rr_AnnualReturn2003 35.02%
2004 rr_AnnualReturn2004 18.86%
2005 rr_AnnualReturn2005 12.55%
2006 rr_AnnualReturn2006 20.64%
2007 rr_AnnualReturn2007 4.97%
2008 rr_AnnualReturn2008 (42.52%)
2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 29.26%
2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 12.66%
2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 (7.52%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 20.94%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Dec. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (23.84%)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (12.61%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (5.71%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.38%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.28%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 02, 1998
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | Class B Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 5.00% [1]
Management Fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.15%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other Expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Service Fees rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets none
Shareholder Administration Fees rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssets none
All Other Expenses rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Acquired (Underlying) Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.75%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.16% [2]
Expense Limitation rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.07%) [3]
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Expense Limitation rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.09% [2]
1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 712
3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 970
5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,354
10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,299
1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 212
3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 670
5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,154
10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 2,299
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (12.84%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (5.19%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.33%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.26%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 02, 1998
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | Class C Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [1]
Management Fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.15%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other Expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Service Fees rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets none
Shareholder Administration Fees rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssets none
All Other Expenses rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Acquired (Underlying) Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.75%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.16% [2]
Expense Limitation rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.07%) [3]
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Expense Limitation rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.09% [2]
1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 312
3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 670
5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,154
10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,489
1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 212
3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 670
5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,154
10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 2,489
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (9.20%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (4.80%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.19%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.95%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 02, 1998
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | Institutional Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none [1]
Management Fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.15%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.11%
Service Fees rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets none
Shareholder Administration Fees rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssets none
All Other Expenses rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.11%
Acquired (Underlying) Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.75%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.01% [2]
Expense Limitation rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.07%) [3]
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Expense Limitation rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.94% [2]
1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 96
3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 315
5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 552
10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,232
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.16%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (3.70%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 4.38%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.08%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 02, 1998
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | Service Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none [1]
Management Fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.15%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.61%
Service Fees rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.25%
Shareholder Administration Fees rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.25%
All Other Expenses rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.11%
Acquired (Underlying) Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.75%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.51% [2]
Expense Limitation rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.07%) [3]
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Expense Limitation rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.44% [2]
1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 147
3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 471
5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 818
10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,797
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.63%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (4.18%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.87%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.59%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 02, 1998
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | Class IR Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none [1]
Management Fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.15%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Service Fees rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets none
Shareholder Administration Fees rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssets none
All Other Expenses rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Acquired (Underlying) Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.75%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.16% [2]
Expense Limitation rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.07%) [3]
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Expense Limitation rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.09% [2]
1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 111
3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 362
5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 632
10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,404
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.25%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05   
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10   
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception (6.20%)
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 30, 2007
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | Class R Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none [1]
Management Fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.15%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other Expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Service Fees rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets none
Shareholder Administration Fees rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssets none
All Other Expenses rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Acquired (Underlying) Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.75%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.66% [2]
Expense Limitation rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.07%) [3]
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Expense Limitation rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.59% [2]
1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 162
3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 517
5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 896
10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,961
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.71%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05   
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10   
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception (6.55%)
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 30, 2007
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | Returns After Taxes on Distributions | Class A Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (12.81%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (5.87%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.91%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.81%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 02, 1998
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares | Class A Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.67%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (4.38%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.89%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.87%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 02, 1998
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses) | Service Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.11%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.25%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.92%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.69%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 02, 1998
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses) | Class R Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.11%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05   
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10   
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception (1.77%)
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 30, 2007
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | MSCI EAFE (gross) Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Service Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (11.73%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (4.26%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 5.12%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.91%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 02, 1998
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | MSCI EAFE (gross) Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class R Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (11.73%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05   
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10   
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception (8.22%)
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 30, 2007
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | Equity Growth Strategy Composite Index | Service Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.98%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (2.17%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 4.10%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.91%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 02, 1998
Goldman Sachs Equity Growth Strategy Portfolio | Equity Growth Strategy Composite Index | Class R Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.98%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05   
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10   
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception (4.93%)
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 30, 2007
[1] A contingent deferred sales charge (''CDSC'') is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase, declining from a rate of 5% in the first year to 1% in the sixth year, and eliminated thereafter. A CDSC of 1% is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase.
[2] The Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratios of net and total expenses to average net assets provided in the Financial Highlights, which reflect the operating expenses of the Portfolio and do not include Acquired (Underlying) Fund Fees and Expenses.
[3] The Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce or limit "Other Expenses" (excluding service and shareholder administration fees, Acquired (Underlying) Fund Fees and Expenses, transfer agency fees and expenses, taxes, interest, brokerage fees, litigation, indemnification, shareholder meeting and other extraordinary expenses) to 0.004% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets, through at least April 27, 2013, and prior to such date, the Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangement without the approval of the Board of Trustees. The expense limitation may be modified or terminated by the Investment Adviser at its discretion and without shareholder approval after such date, although the Investment Adviser does not presently intend to do so. The Portfolio's "Other Expenses" may be further reduced by any custody and transfer agency fee credits received by the Portfolio.