Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Activity in Gold Bullion (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 oz g		Mar. 31, 2013 oz	Dec. 31, 2013 oz
Activity in Gold Bullion [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in Ounces)	5,220,500		6,999,900	6,999,900
Beginning balance	$ 6,272,422,000
Beginning balance	6,272,422,000
Gold contributed (in Ounces)	155,200			614,600
Gold contributed, average cost	202,435,000			928,370,000
Gold contributed, fair value	202,435,000			928,370,000
Gold bullion distributed (in Ounces)	(61,100)			(2,378,200)
Gold bullion distributed	(73,501,000)			(3,199,151,000)
Gold bullion distributed	(77,329,000)			(3,341,845,000)
Gold bullion distributed	3,828,000		150,642,000	142,694,000
Gold bullion sold (in Ounces)	(3,200)			(15,800)
Gold bullion sold	(3,833,000)			(21,261,000)
Gold bullion sold	(4,067,000)			(22,834,000)
Gold bullion sold	234,000		1,370,000	1,573,000
Adjustment to gold bullion inventory(a)				(750,590,665)	[1]
Adjustment for realized gain on gold bullion			152,012,000	144,267,000
Adjustment for unrealized loss on gold bullion				(3,083,319,000)
Ending balance (in Ounces)	5,311,400	[2]		5,220,500
Ending balance				6,272,422,000
Ending balance				6,272,422,000
Ending balance			152,012,000	144,267,000
Gold bullion distributed	3,828,000
Net realized gain on gold bullion	4,062,000
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment in gold bullion	463,444,000
Ending balance	6,397,523,000	[2]		6,272,422,000
Ending balance	6,860,967,000	[2],[3]		6,272,422,000
Ending balance	4,062,000
Beginning balance	6,272,422,000		9,315,055,000	9,315,055,000
Beginning balance	$ 6,272,422,000		$ 11,647,783,000	$ 11,647,783,000

[1] At December 31, 2013, the market value of the gold bullion was below the average cost of the Trust's gold bullion inventory held. As a result, the Trust recorded a permanent write down against the average cost of the gold bullion inventory of $750,590,665.

[2] Effective January 1, 2014, the Trust qualifies as an investment company for accounting purposes. Disclosure of a schedule of investments is required for investment companies. Please refer to Note 2B.

[3] Presented at fair value at March 31, 2014 (cost: $6,397,523).