Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Activity in Gold Bullion) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011 oz	Jun. 30, 2011 oz
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Beginning balance, ounces	4,027,400	3,783,000
Gold contributed, ounces	683,100	1,185,800
Gold distributed, ounces	(69,300)	(325,300)
Gold sold, ounces	(2,600)	(4,900)
Ending balance, ounces	4,638,600	4,638,600
Beginning balance, average cost	$ 4,027,277	$ 3,568,036
Gold contributed, average cost	1,026,247	1,730,169
Gold distributed, average cost	(72,381)	(314,904)
Gold sold, average cost	(2,667)	(4,825)
Ending balance, average cost	4,978,476	4,978,476
Beginning balance, fair value	5,795,434	5,317,017
Gold contributed, fair value	1,026,247	1,730,169
Gold distributed, fair value	(103,759)	(444,578)
Gold sold, fair value	(3,876)	(6,990)
Adjustment for realized gain, fair value	32,587	131,839
Adjustment for unrealized gain on gold bullion, fair value	236,803	255,979
Ending balance, fair value	6,983,436	6,983,436
Gold distributed, realized gain (loss)	31,378	129,674
Gold sold realized gain (loss)	1,209	2,165
Ending balance, realized gain (loss)	$ 32,587	$ 131,839