Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sales of gold	$ 5,851	$ 3,114
Expenses - Sponsor's fees paid	(5,851)	(3,114)
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	16,992	96,018	258,847
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on gold distributed for the redemption of Shares	(21,348)	(98,296)
Cost of gold sold to pay expenses	4,215	2,158
Increase in Sponsor's fees payable	141	120
Net cash provided by operating activities
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information:
Carrying value of gold received for creation of Shares	630,526	703,922
Carrying value of gold distributed for redemption of Shares, at average cost	$ (61,018)	$ (242,523)