Schedules of Investments - Investments (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) oz	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) oz	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) oz	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) oz
Gold bullion (Ounce) | oz	6,308,062	4,905,568	5,182,164	5,220,493
Investment in gold bullion, cost	$ 7,706,923,343	$ 5,910,175,908	$ 6,254,868,124	$ 6,272,422,250
Gold bullion fair value	7,311,674,849	5,210,940,144
Less Liabilities	(1,543,829)	(1,137,298)
Net Assets	$ 7,310,131,020	$ 5,209,802,846	$ 6,213,387,199	$ 6,271,029,069