Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Gold bullion inventory (fair value of $11,647,783 and $8,418,739, respectively)	$ 9,315,055	$ 6,629,203
Payable for capital Shares redeemed		(57,101)
TOTAL ASSETS	9,315,055	6,572,102
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CAPITAL SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Sponsor's fees payable	2,485	1,938
Total liabilities	2,485	1,938
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 5)
Redeemable capital Shares, no par value, unlimited amount authorized (at redemption value) - 719,550,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 563,850,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011	11,645,298	8,416,801
Shareholders' equity (deficit)	(2,332,728)	(1,846,637)
TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CAPITAL SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	$ 9,315,055	$ 6,572,102