Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Gold bullion inventory (fair value of $10,901,704 and $11,647,783, respectively)	$ 9,131,393	$ 9,315,055
Payable for capital Shares redeemed	(18,336)
Receivable for capital Shares sold	77,727
TOTAL ASSETS	9,190,784	9,315,055
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CAPITAL SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Sponsor's fees payable	2,314	2,485
Total liabilities	2,314	2,485
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 5)
Redeemable capital Shares, no par value, unlimited amount authorized (at redemption value) - 701,600,000 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and 719,550,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012	10,899,390	11,645,298
Shareholders' equity (deficit)	(1,710,920)	(2,332,728)
TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CAPITAL SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	$ 9,190,784	$ 9,315,055