Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Gold bullion inventory (fair value of $8,418,739 and $5,317,017, respectively)	$ 6,629,203	$ 3,546,055
Payable for capital Shares redeemed	(57,101)
Receivable for capital Shares sold		21,981
TOTAL ASSETS	6,572,102	3,568,036
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CAPITAL SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Sponsor's fees payable (Note 3)	1,938	1,067
Total liabilities	1,938	1,067
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 5)
Redeemable capital Shares, no par value, unlimited amount authorized (at redemption value) - 563,850,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 386,950,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010	8,416,801	5,315,950
Shareholders' equity (deficit)	(1,846,637)	(1,748,981)
TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CAPITAL SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	$ 6,572,102	$ 3,568,036