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Organization (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008
Organization [Abstract]
Market value reserve	$ 571,784

X

- Definition

Expense recognized for the market value reserve during the period. Market value reserve is defined as an adjustment to the carrying value to equal the fair value of silver bullion, when the carrying value is greater than the fair value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	slv_MarketValueReserve
Namespace Prefix:	slv_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

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- Details

Name:	slv_OrganizationAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	slv_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration