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Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Unrealized Gains Or Losses On The Trust's Gold Holdings) (Details) (USD $)
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]      
Investment in gold - average cost $ 1,481,533,529 [1] $ 1,376,845,277 [1],[2] $ 971,070,331
Unrealized gain on investment in gold 502,114,599 301,078,135  
Investment in gold - market value $ 1,983,648,128 $ 1,677,923,412  
[1] The investment in gold is valued at the lower of cost or market. Refer to note 2.1 for a breakdown of cost and market value of the investment in gold.
[2] Derived from audited Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2011.