Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sales of gold	$ 17,758	$ 11,051	$ 8,680
Expenses - Sponsor's fees paid	(17,758)	(11,051)	(8,680)
Net cash provided by operating activities
Increase (decrease) in cash
Cash, beginning of period
Cash, end of period
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	258,847	32,297	60,970
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on gold distributed for the redemption of Shares	(271,906)	(39,711)	(67,642)
Cost of gold sold to pay expenses	12,188	7,353	6,255
Increase in Sponsor's fees payable	871	61	417
Net cash provided by operating activities
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information:
Carrying value of gold received for creation of Shares (Note 2B)	3,660,287	1,748,964	625,072
Carrying value of gold distributed for redemption of Shares, at average cost (Note 2B)	$ (644,033)	$ (88,442)	$ (152,323)