Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sales of gold			$ 17,733	$ 11,981
Expenses - Sponsor's fees paid			(17,733)	(11,981)
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	38,965	116,722	127,568	241,212	258,847
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on gold distributed for the redemption of Shares	(43,854)	(120,642)	(141,068)	(250,316)
Cost of gold sold to pay expenses	4,547	3,372	13,209	8,197
Increase in Sponsor's fees payable			291	907
Net cash provided by operating activities
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information:
Carrying value of gold received for creation of Shares			2,302,662	3,139,985
Carrying value of gold distributed for redemption of Shares, at average cost			$ (492,112)	$ (569,456)