Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sales of gold			$ 11,824	$ 6,990
Expenses - Sponsor's fees paid			(11,824)	(6,990)
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	71,611	28,472	88,603	124,490	258,847
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on gold distributed for the redemption of Shares	(75,866)	(31,378)	(97,214)	(129,674)
Cost of gold sold to pay expenses	4,447	2,667	8,662	4,825
Increase (decrease) in Sponsor's fees payable			(51)	359
Net cash provided by operating activities
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information:
Carrying value of gold received for creation of Shares			998,830	1,730,169
Carrying value of gold distributed for redemption of Shares, at average cost			$ (333,325)	$ (314,904)