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Document And Entity Information (USD $)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Feb. 26, 2013
Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Registrant Name ETFS Gold Trust    
Entity Central Index Key 0001450923    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   11,650,000  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 1,762,866,605
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No