Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Notes Tables

Activity in Gold Bullion [Table Text Block]

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017	Ounces			Average Cost			Fair Value			Realized Gain (Loss)
Beginning balance		6,308,062		$	7,706,923,343		$	7,311,674,849		$	—
Gold bullion contributed		355,672			431,456,784			431,456,784			—
Gold bullion distributed		(234,367	)		(286,185,422	)		(288,297,575	)		2,112,153
Gold bullion sold to pay expenses		(3,907	)		(4,771,262	)		(4,677,360	)		(93,902	)
Net realized gain		—			—			2,018,251			—
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation		—			—			546,559,551			—
Ending balance		6,425,460		$	7,847,423,443		$	7,998,734,500		$	2,018,251

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	Ounces			Average Cost			Fair Value			Realized Gain (Loss)
Beginning balance		4,905,568		$	5,910,175,908		$	5,210,940,144		$	—
Gold bullion contributed		1,360,213			1,593,830,000			1,593,830,000			—
Gold bullion distributed		(272,052	)		(325,745,016	)		(332,909,854	)		7,164,838
Gold bullion sold to pay expenses		(3,214	)		(3,853,659	)		(3,695,797	)		(157,862	)
Net realized gain		—			—			7,006,976			—
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation		—			—			935,095,915			—
Ending balance		5,990,515		$	7,174,407,233		$	7,410,267,384		$	7,006,976