Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Activity in Gold Bullion (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 oz	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013 oz	Sep. 30, 2012
Activity in Gold Bullion [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in Ounces)	5,756,200		6,999,900
Beginning balance, average cost	$ 6,861,395		$ 9,315,055
Beginning balance, fair value	6,861,395		11,647,783
Gold contributed (in Ounces)	135,900		551,500
Gold contributed, average cost	175,446		847,967
Gold contributed, fair value	175,446		847,967
Gold distributed (in Ounces)	(176,700)		(1,827,500)
Gold distributed, average cost	(237,938)		(2,458,045)
Gold distributed, fair value	(227,490)		(2,652,558)
Gold distributed, realized gain (loss)	(10,448)	43,854	194,513	141,068
Gold sold (in Ounces)	(3,700)		(12,200)
Gold sold, average cost	(4,958)		(16,404)
Gold sold, fair value	(4,846)		(18,230)
Gold sold, realized gain (loss)	(112)	1,362	1,826	4,524
Adjustment for realized gain (loss), fair value	(10,560)	45,216	196,339	145,592
Adjustment for unrealized gain (loss) on gold bullion, fair value	782,673		(2,444,683)
Market value reserve			(894,628)
Market value recovery, average cost	782,673		782,673
Ending balance (in Ounces)	5,711,700		5,711,700
Ending balance, average cost	7,576,618		7,576,618
Ending balance, fair value	7,576,618		7,576,618
Ending balance, realized gain (loss)	$ (10,560)	$ 45,216	$ 196,339	$ 145,592