abrdn Gold ETF Trust (SGOL) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 26, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
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	'	8,700,000	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,208,228,500
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'

Statements_of_Financial_Condit

Statements of Financial Condition (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS	'		'
Investment in gold	$1,040,003,000	[1]	$1,561,925,000	[1]
Total assets	1,040,003,000		1,561,925,000
LIABILITIES	'		'
Fees payable to the Sponsor	350,601		630,835
Gold payable	5,907,000		0
Total liabilities	6,258,000		631,000
REDEEMABLE SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT	'		'
Shares at redemption value to investors	1,033,745,000	[2]	1,930,056,000	[2]
Shareholders’ deficit	0		-368,762,000
Total liabilities, redeemable Shares & shareholders’ deficit	$1,040,003,000		$1,561,925,000
[1]	The investment in gold is valued at the lower of cost or market value. Refer to note 2.1 for a breakdown of cost and market value of the investment in gold.
[2]	Authorized share capital is unlimited and no par value per Share. Shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 were 8,750,000 and at December 31, 2012 were 11,750,000.

Statements_of_Financial_Condit1

Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statements of Financial Condition [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	'unlimited	'unlimited
Common stock, shares issued	8,750,000	11,750,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,750,000	11,750,000

Statements_of_Operations

Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
REVENUES	'	'	'
Value of gold transferred to pay expenses	$5,992,000	$7,130,000	$5,652,000
Cost of gold transferred to pay expenses	-5,528,000	-5,647,000	-4,434,000
Gain on gold transferred to pay expenses	464,000	1,483,000	1,218,000
Gain on gold distributed for the redemption of Shares	1,081,000	20,240,000	15,511,000
Realized loss on investment in gold	-126,937,000	0	0
Total (loss) / gain on gold	-125,392,000	21,723,000	16,729,000
EXPENSES	'	'	'
Sponsor’s Fee	5,712,292	7,200,166	5,855,861
Total expenses	5,712,000	7,200,000	5,856,000
Net (loss) / gain from operations	($131,104,000)	$14,523,000	$10,873,000
Net (loss) / gain per Share (in Dollars per Share)	($12.58)	$1.30	$1.14
Weighted average number of Shares (in Shares)	10,419,863	11,169,672	9,551,507

Statements_of_Cash_Flows

Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
INCREASE IN CASH FROM OPERATIONS:	'	'	'
Cash proceeds received from transfer of gold	$0	$0	$0
Cash expenses paid	0	0	0
Increase in cash resulting from operations	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0	0
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Value of gold received for creation of Shares	22,226	268,941	466,053
Value of gold distributed for redemption of Shares - at average cost	411,683	78,214	55,844
RECONCILIATION OF NET (LOSS) / GAIN TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Net (loss) / gain from operations	-131,104	14,523	10,873
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) / gain to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Decrease / (increase) in investment in gold	521,922	-185,080	-405,776
Increase in gold payable	5,907	0	0
(Decrease) / increase in fees payable to Sponsor	-280	71	179
Increase / (decrease) in redeemable Shares:	'	'	'
Creations	22,226	268,941	466,053
Redemptions	-418,671	-98,455	-71,329
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0	0
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Value of gold transferred to pay expenses	$5,992	$7,130	$5,652

Statement_of_Changes_in_Shareh

Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Deficit (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Deficit [Abstract]	'	'	'
Shareholders’ deficit - opening balance	($368,762)	($301,078)	($186,817)
Net loss for the period	-131,104	14,523	10,873
Adjustment of redeemable Shares to redemption value	499,866	-82,207	-125,134
Shareholders’ deficit - closing balance	$0	($368,762)	($301,078)

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization [Abstract]	'
Organization	'
	1. Organization
	The ETFS Gold Trust (the “Trust”) is an investment trust formed on September 1, 2009, under New York law pursuant to a depositary trust agreement (the “Trust Agreement”) executed by ETF Securities USA LLC (the “Sponsor”) and the Bank of New York Mellon (the “Trustee”) at the time of the Trust’s organization. The Trust holds gold bullion and issues ETFS Physical Swiss Gold Shares (the “Shares”) (in minimum blocks of 50,000 Shares, referred to as “Baskets”) in exchange for deposits of gold and distributes gold in connection with redemption of Baskets. Shares represent units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in and ownership of the Trust which are issued by the Trust. The Sponsor is a Delaware limited liability company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ETF Securities Limited, a Jersey, Channel Islands based company. The Trust is governed by the Trust Agreement.
	The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold, less the Trust’s expenses and liabilities. The Trust is designed to provide an individual owner of beneficial interests in the Shares (a “Shareholder”) an opportunity to participate in the gold market through an investment in securities.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2. Significant Accounting Policies
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires those responsible for preparing financial statements to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Trust.
	2.1. Valuation of Gold
	Gold is held by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”), on behalf of the Trust, at the Zurich, Switzerland vaulting premises of UBS A.G. (the “Zurich Sub-Custodian”) and is valued, for financial statement purposes, at the lower of cost or market. The cost of gold is determined according to the average cost method and the market value is based on the London PM Fix used to determine the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Trust. Realized gains and losses on transfers of gold to pay the remuneration due to the Sponsor (the “Sponsor’s Fee”), or gold distributed for the redemption of Shares, are calculated on a trade date basis using average cost. The price for an ounce of gold is set by five market making members of the London Bullion Market Association at approximately 3:00 PM London Time.
	Once the value of gold has been determined, the NAV is computed by the Trustee by deducting all accrued fees and other liabilities of the Trust, including Sponsor’s Fee, from the fair value of the gold and all other assets held by the Trust.
	The table below summarizes the unrealized gains or realized losses on the Trust’s gold holdings as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	(Amounts in 000's of US$)
	Investment in gold - average cost	$	1,166,940	$	1,561,925
	Realized loss on investment in gold		-126,937		-
	Investment in gold - lower of cost or market value		1,040,003		1,561,925
	Unrealized gain on investment in gold		-		368,762
	Investment in gold - market value	$	1,040,003	$	1,930,687
	The Trust recognizes the diminution in value of the investment in gold which arises from market declines on an interim basis. Increases in the value of the investment in gold through market price recoveries in later interim periods of the same fiscal year are recognized in the later interim period. Increases in value recognized on an interim basis may not exceed the previously recognized diminution in value. At December 31, 2013 the market value of gold had fallen below the average cost, therefore a loss of $126,936,978 was realized on the investment in gold.
	The per Share amount of gold exchanged for a purchase or redemption is calculated daily by the Trustee, using the London PM Fix to calculate the gold amount in respect of any liabilities for which covering gold sales have not yet been made, and represents the per-Share amount of gold held by the Trust, after giving effect to its liabilities, to cover expenses and liabilities and any losses that may have occurred.
	2.2. Gold Receivable and Payable
	Gold receivable or payable represents the quantity of gold covered by contractually binding orders for the creation or redemption of Shares respectively, where the gold has not yet been transferred to or from the Trust’s account. Generally, ownership of the gold is transferred within three days of trade date. The table below summarizes gold receivable or payable at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	(Amounts in 000's of US$)
	Gold receivable	$	-	$	-
	Gold payable	$	5,907	$	-
	2.3 Creations and Redemptions of Shares
	The Trust expects to create and redeem Shares from time to time, but only in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 50,000 Shares). The Trust issues Shares in Baskets to Authorized Participants on an ongoing basis. Individual investors cannot purchase or redeem Shares in direct transactions with the Trust. An Authorized Participant is a person who (1) is a registered broker-dealer or other securities market participant such as a bank or other financial institution which is not required to register as a broker-dealer to engage in securities transactions; (2) is a participant in The Depository Trust Company; (3) has entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Trustee and the Sponsor; and (4) has established an Authorized Participant Unallocated Account with the Trust’s Custodian or other gold bullion clearing bank. An Authorized Participant Agreement is an agreement entered into by each Authorized Participant, the Sponsor and the Trustee which provides the procedures for the creation and redemption of Baskets and for the delivery of the gold and any cash required for such creations and redemptions. An Authorized Participant Unallocated Account is an unallocated gold account, either loco London or loco Zurich, established with the Custodian or a gold bullion clearing bank by an Authorized Participant.
	The creation and redemption of Baskets is only made in exchange for the delivery to the Trust or the distribution by the Trust of the amount of gold represented by the Baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which is based on the combined NAV of the number of Shares included in the Baskets being created or redeemed determined on the day the order to create or redeem Baskets is properly received.
	Authorized Participants may, on any business day, place an order with the Trustee to create or redeem one or more Baskets. The typical settlement period for Shares is three business days. In the event of a trade date at period end, where a settlement is pending, a respective account receivable and/or payable will be recorded. When gold is exchanged in settlement of redemption, it is considered a sale of gold for financial statement purposes.
	The amount of bullion represented by the Baskets created or redeemed can only be settled to the nearest 1/1000th of an ounce. As a result, the value attributed to the creation or redemption of Shares may differ from the value of bullion to be delivered or distributed by the Trust. In order to ensure that the correct metal is available at all times to back the Shares, the Sponsor accepts an adjustment to its management fees in the event of any shortfall or excess. For each transaction, this amount is not more than 1/1000th of an ounce.
	The Shares of the Trust are classified as “Redeemable Capital Shares” for financial statement purposes, since they are subject to redemption at the option of Authorized Participants. Outstanding Shares are reflected at redemption value, which represents the maximum obligation (based on NAV per Share), with the difference from historical cost recorded as an offsetting amount to retained earnings.
	Changes in the Shares for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year		Year		Year
		Ended		Ended		Ended
	(Amounts in 000's of US$, except for Share and per Share data)	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-11
	Number of redeemable Shares
	Opening balance		11,750,000		10,750,000		8,250,000
	Creations		150,000		1,600,000		2,950,000
	Redemptions		-3,150,000		-600,000		-450,000
	Closing balance		8,750,000		11,750,000		10,750,000
	Redeemable Shares
	Opening balance	$	1,930,056	$	1,677,363	$	1,157,505
	Creations		22,226		268,941		466,053
	Redemptions		-418,671		-98,455		-71,329
	Adjustment to redemption value		-499,866		82,207		125,134
	Closing balance	$	1,033,745	$	1,930,056	$	1,677,363
	Redemption value per Share at year end	$	118.14	$	164.26	$	156.03
	2.4. Revenue Recognition Policy
	Revenues consist of realized gains / losses resulting from the transfer of gold for Share redemptions and / or to pay expenses.  Realized gains / losses are recognized on a trade date basis.
	The primary expense of the Trust is the Sponsor’s Fee, which is paid by the Trust through in-kind transfers of gold to the Sponsor. With respect to expenses not otherwise assumed by the Sponsor, the Trustee will, at the direction of the Sponsor or in its own discretion, sell the Trust’s gold as necessary to pay these expenses. When selling gold to pay expenses, the Trustee will endeavor to sell the smallest amounts of gold needed to pay these expenses in order to minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than gold.
	Unless otherwise directed by the Sponsor, when selling gold the Trustee will endeavor to sell at the price established by the London PM Fix. The Trustee will place orders with dealers (which may include the Custodian) through which the Trustee expects to receive the most favorable price and execution of orders. The Custodian may be the purchaser of such gold only if the sale transaction is made at the London PM Fix used by the Trustee to value the Trust’s gold. A gain or loss is recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the average cost of the gold sold. Neither the Trustee nor the Sponsor is liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of any sale.
	2.5. Income Taxes
	The Trust is classified as a “grantor trust” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Trust itself will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, the Trust’s income and expenses will “flow through” to the Shareholders, and the Trustee will report the Trust’s proceeds, income, deductions, gains, and losses to the Internal Revenue Service on that basis.
	The Trust has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740-10, Income Taxes. The Sponsor has evaluated the application of ASC 740 to the Trust, to determine whether or not there are uncertain tax positions that require financial statement recognition. Based on this evaluation, the Sponsor has determined no reserves for uncertain tax positions are required to be recorded as a result of the application of ASC 740. As a result, no income tax liability or expense has been recorded in the accompanying financial statements.
	2.6. Investment in Gold
	Changes in ounces of gold and the respective values for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year		Year		Year
		Ended		Ended		Ended
	(Amounts in 000's of US$, except for ounces data)	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-11
	Ounces of gold
	Opening balance		1,160,268.7		1,065,686.5		821,051.2
	Creations		14,786.5		158,216.1		292,915.5
	Redemptions		-305,365.70		-59,341.10		-44,662.30
	Transfers of gold to pay expenses		-4,102.40		-4,292.80		-3,617.90
	Closing balance		865,587.1		1,160,268.7		1,065,686.5
	Investment in gold (lower of cost or market value)
	Opening balance	$	1,561,925	$	1,376,845	$	971,070
Creations		22,226		268,941		466,053
Redemptions		-411,683		-78,214		-55,844
Transfers of gold to pay expenses		-5,528		-5,647		-4,434
Realized loss on investment in gold		-126,937		-		-
Closing balance	$	1,040,003	$	1,561,925	$	1,376,845
At December 31, 2013, 4,916.451 oz. of gold relating to unsettled redemptions were payable.  The cost of gold payable at December 31, 2013 was $6,628,108 and its market value at December 31, 2013 was $5,907,116.
These balances have been excluded from the December 31, 2013 balances in the table above.
2.7. Expenses
The Trust will transfer gold to the Sponsor to pay the Sponsor’s Fee that will accrue daily at an annualized rate equal to 0.39% of the adjusted daily NAV of the Trust, paid monthly in arrears.
The Sponsor has agreed to assume administrative and marketing expenses incurred by the Trust, including the Trustee’s monthly fee and out of pocket expenses, the Custodian’s fee and the reimbursement of the Custodian’s expenses, exchange listing fees, United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) registration fees, printing and mailing costs, audit fees and certain legal expenses.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Sponsor’s Fee was $5,712,292  (December 31, 2012: $7,200,166;  December 31, 2011: $5,855,861).
At December 31, 2013  $350,601 was payable to the Sponsor (December 31, 2012: $630,835).
2.8 Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2013-08, Financial Services – Investments Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirements. ASU 2013-08 changes the approach to the investment company assessment, requires non-controlling ownership interests in other investment companies to be measured at fair value, and requires additional disclosures about the investment company's status as an investment company. The amendments are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Trust is currently evaluating the impact, if any, this pronouncement will have on the financial statements.
2.9 Subsequent Events
In accordance with the provisions set forth in FASB ASC 855-10, Subsequent Events, the Trust’s management has evaluated the possibility of subsequent events existing in the Trust’s financial statements through the issuance date. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Trust’s financial statements through this date.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Parties [Abstract]	'
Related Parties	'
	3 Related Parties
	The Sponsor and the Trustee are considered to be related parties to the Trust. The Trustee’s and Custodian’s fees are paid by the Sponsor and are not separate expenses of the Trust. The Trustee and the Custodian and their affiliates may from time to time act as Authorized Participants or purchase or sell gold or Shares for their own account, as agent for their customers and for accounts over which they exercise investment discretion.

Concentration_of_Risk

Concentration of Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentration Of Risk [Abstract]	'
Concentration Of Risk	'
	4 Concentration of Risk
	The Trust’s sole business activity is the investment in gold, and substantially all the Trust’s assets are holdings of gold which creates a concentration risk associated with fluctuations in the price of gold. Several factors could affect the price of gold, including: (i) global gold supply and demand, which is influenced by factors such as forward selling by gold producers, purchases made by gold producers to unwind gold hedge positions, central bank purchases and sales, and production and cost levels in major gold-producing countries; (ii) investors’ expectations with respect to the rate of inflation; (iii) currency exchange rates; (iv) interest rates; (v) investment and trading activities of hedge funds and commodity funds; and (vi) global or regional political, economic or financial events and situations. In addition, there is no assurance that gold will maintain its long-term value in terms of purchasing power in the future. In the event that the price of gold declines, the Sponsor expects the value of an investment in the Shares to decline proportionately. Each of these events could have a material effect on the Trust’s financial position and results of operations.

Indemnification

Indemnification	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Indemnification [Abstract]	'
Indemnification	'
	5 Indemnification
	Under the Trust’s organizational documents, each of the Trustee (and its directors, employees and agents) and the Sponsor (and its members, managers, directors, officers, employees, and affiliates) is indemnified by the Trust against any liability, cost or expense it incurs without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on its part and without reckless disregard on its part of its obligations and duties under the Trust’s organizational documents.
	The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Valuation Of Gold	'
	2.1. Valuation of Gold
	Gold is held by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”), on behalf of the Trust, at the Zurich, Switzerland vaulting premises of UBS A.G. (the “Zurich Sub-Custodian”) and is valued, for financial statement purposes, at the lower of cost or market. The cost of gold is determined according to the average cost method and the market value is based on the London PM Fix used to determine the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Trust. Realized gains and losses on transfers of gold to pay the remuneration due to the Sponsor (the “Sponsor’s Fee”), or gold distributed for the redemption of Shares, are calculated on a trade date basis using average cost. The price for an ounce of gold is set by five market making members of the London Bullion Market Association at approximately 3:00 PM London Time.
	Once the value of gold has been determined, the NAV is computed by the Trustee by deducting all accrued fees and other liabilities of the Trust, including Sponsor’s Fee, from the fair value of the gold and all other assets held by the Trust.
	The table below summarizes the unrealized gains or realized losses on the Trust’s gold holdings as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	(Amounts in 000's of US$)
	Investment in gold - average cost	$	1,166,940	$	1,561,925
	Realized loss on investment in gold		-126,937		-
	Investment in gold - lower of cost or market value		1,040,003		1,561,925
	Unrealized gain on investment in gold		-		368,762
	Investment in gold - market value	$	1,040,003	$	1,930,687
	The Trust recognizes the diminution in value of the investment in gold which arises from market declines on an interim basis. Increases in the value of the investment in gold through market price recoveries in later interim periods of the same fiscal year are recognized in the later interim period. Increases in value recognized on an interim basis may not exceed the previously recognized diminution in value. At December 31, 2013 the market value of gold had fallen below the average cost, therefore a loss of $126,936,978 was realized on the investment in gold.
	The per Share amount of gold exchanged for a purchase or redemption is calculated daily by the Trustee, using the London PM Fix to calculate the gold amount in respect of any liabilities for which covering gold sales have not yet been made, and represents the per-Share amount of gold held by the Trust, after giving effect to its liabilities, to cover expenses and liabilities and any losses that may have occurred.
Gold Receivable And Payable	'
	2.2. Gold Receivable and Payable
	Gold receivable or payable represents the quantity of gold covered by contractually binding orders for the creation or redemption of Shares respectively, where the gold has not yet been transferred to or from the Trust’s account. Generally, ownership of the gold is transferred within three days of trade date. The table below summarizes gold receivable or payable at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	(Amounts in 000's of US$)
	Gold receivable	$	-	$	-
	Gold payable	$	5,907	$	-
Creations And Redemptions Of Shares	'
	2.3 Creations and Redemptions of Shares
	The Trust expects to create and redeem Shares from time to time, but only in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 50,000 Shares). The Trust issues Shares in Baskets to Authorized Participants on an ongoing basis. Individual investors cannot purchase or redeem Shares in direct transactions with the Trust. An Authorized Participant is a person who (1) is a registered broker-dealer or other securities market participant such as a bank or other financial institution which is not required to register as a broker-dealer to engage in securities transactions; (2) is a participant in The Depository Trust Company; (3) has entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Trustee and the Sponsor; and (4) has established an Authorized Participant Unallocated Account with the Trust’s Custodian or other gold bullion clearing bank. An Authorized Participant Agreement is an agreement entered into by each Authorized Participant, the Sponsor and the Trustee which provides the procedures for the creation and redemption of Baskets and for the delivery of the gold and any cash required for such creations and redemptions. An Authorized Participant Unallocated Account is an unallocated gold account, either loco London or loco Zurich, established with the Custodian or a gold bullion clearing bank by an Authorized Participant.
	The creation and redemption of Baskets is only made in exchange for the delivery to the Trust or the distribution by the Trust of the amount of gold represented by the Baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which is based on the combined NAV of the number of Shares included in the Baskets being created or redeemed determined on the day the order to create or redeem Baskets is properly received.
	Authorized Participants may, on any business day, place an order with the Trustee to create or redeem one or more Baskets. The typical settlement period for Shares is three business days. In the event of a trade date at period end, where a settlement is pending, a respective account receivable and/or payable will be recorded. When gold is exchanged in settlement of redemption, it is considered a sale of gold for financial statement purposes.
	The amount of bullion represented by the Baskets created or redeemed can only be settled to the nearest 1/1000th of an ounce. As a result, the value attributed to the creation or redemption of Shares may differ from the value of bullion to be delivered or distributed by the Trust. In order to ensure that the correct metal is available at all times to back the Shares, the Sponsor accepts an adjustment to its management fees in the event of any shortfall or excess. For each transaction, this amount is not more than 1/1000th of an ounce.
	The Shares of the Trust are classified as “Redeemable Capital Shares” for financial statement purposes, since they are subject to redemption at the option of Authorized Participants. Outstanding Shares are reflected at redemption value, which represents the maximum obligation (based on NAV per Share), with the difference from historical cost recorded as an offsetting amount to retained earnings.
	Changes in the Shares for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year		Year		Year
		Ended		Ended		Ended
	(Amounts in 000's of US$, except for Share and per Share data)	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-11
	Number of redeemable Shares
	Opening balance		11,750,000		10,750,000		8,250,000
	Creations		150,000		1,600,000		2,950,000
	Redemptions		-3,150,000		-600,000		-450,000
	Closing balance		8,750,000		11,750,000		10,750,000
	Redeemable Shares
	Opening balance	$	1,930,056	$	1,677,363	$	1,157,505
	Creations		22,226		268,941		466,053
	Redemptions		-418,671		-98,455		-71,329
	Adjustment to redemption value		-499,866		82,207		125,134
	Closing balance	$	1,033,745	$	1,930,056	$	1,677,363
	Redemption value per Share at year end	$	118.14	$	164.26	$	156.03
Revenue Recognition Policy	'
	2.4. Revenue Recognition Policy
	Revenues consist of realized gains / losses resulting from the transfer of gold for Share redemptions and / or to pay expenses.  Realized gains / losses are recognized on a trade date basis.
	The primary expense of the Trust is the Sponsor’s Fee, which is paid by the Trust through in-kind transfers of gold to the Sponsor. With respect to expenses not otherwise assumed by the Sponsor, the Trustee will, at the direction of the Sponsor or in its own discretion, sell the Trust’s gold as necessary to pay these expenses. When selling gold to pay expenses, the Trustee will endeavor to sell the smallest amounts of gold needed to pay these expenses in order to minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than gold.
	Unless otherwise directed by the Sponsor, when selling gold the Trustee will endeavor to sell at the price established by the London PM Fix. The Trustee will place orders with dealers (which may include the Custodian) through which the Trustee expects to receive the most favorable price and execution of orders. The Custodian may be the purchaser of such gold only if the sale transaction is made at the London PM Fix used by the Trustee to value the Trust’s gold. A gain or loss is recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the average cost of the gold sold. Neither the Trustee nor the Sponsor is liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of any sale.
Income Taxes	'
	2.5. Income Taxes
	The Trust is classified as a “grantor trust” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Trust itself will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, the Trust’s income and expenses will “flow through” to the Shareholders, and the Trustee will report the Trust’s proceeds, income, deductions, gains, and losses to the Internal Revenue Service on that basis.
	The Trust has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740-10, Income Taxes. The Sponsor has evaluated the application of ASC 740 to the Trust, to determine whether or not there are uncertain tax positions that require financial statement recognition. Based on this evaluation, the Sponsor has determined no reserves for uncertain tax positions are required to be recorded as a result of the application of ASC 740. As a result, no income tax liability or expense has been recorded in the accompanying financial statements.
Investment In Gold	'
	2.6. Investment in Gold
	Changes in ounces of gold and the respective values for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year		Year		Year
		Ended		Ended		Ended
	(Amounts in 000's of US$, except for ounces data)	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-11
	Ounces of gold
	Opening balance		1,160,268.7		1,065,686.5		821,051.2
	Creations		14,786.5		158,216.1		292,915.5
	Redemptions		-305,365.70		-59,341.10		-44,662.30
	Transfers of gold to pay expenses		-4,102.40		-4,292.80		-3,617.90
	Closing balance		865,587.1		1,160,268.7		1,065,686.5
	Investment in gold (lower of cost or market value)
	Opening balance	$	1,561,925	$	1,376,845	$	971,070
	Creations		22,226		268,941		466,053
	Redemptions		-411,683		-78,214		-55,844
	Transfers of gold to pay expenses		-5,528		-5,647		-4,434
	Realized loss on investment in gold		-126,937		-		-
	Closing balance	$	1,040,003	$	1,561,925	$	1,376,845
Expenses	'
	2.7. Expenses
	The Trust will transfer gold to the Sponsor to pay the Sponsor’s Fee that will accrue daily at an annualized rate equal to 0.39% of the adjusted daily NAV of the Trust, paid monthly in arrears.
	The Sponsor has agreed to assume administrative and marketing expenses incurred by the Trust, including the Trustee’s monthly fee and out of pocket expenses, the Custodian’s fee and the reimbursement of the Custodian’s expenses, exchange listing fees, United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) registration fees, printing and mailing costs, audit fees and certain legal expenses.
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Sponsor’s Fee was $5,712,292  (December 31, 2012: $7,200,166;  December 31, 2011: $5,855,861).
	At December 31, 2013  $350,601 was payable to the Sponsor (December 31, 2012: $630,835).
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	2.8 Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In June 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2013-08, Financial Services – Investments Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirements. ASU 2013-08 changes the approach to the investment company assessment, requires non-controlling ownership interests in other investment companies to be measured at fair value, and requires additional disclosures about the investment company's status as an investment company. The amendments are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Trust is currently evaluating the impact, if any, this pronouncement will have on the financial statements.
Subsequent Events	'
	2.9 Subsequent Events
	In accordance with the provisions set forth in FASB ASC 855-10, Subsequent Events, the Trust’s management has evaluated the possibility of subsequent events existing in the Trust’s financial statements through the issuance date. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Trust’s financial statements through this date.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Unrealized Gains Or Losses On The Trust's Gold Holdings	'
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	(Amounts in 000's of US$)
	Investment in gold - average cost	$	1,166,940	$	1,561,925
	Realized loss on investment in gold		-126,937		-
	Investment in gold - lower of cost or market value		1,040,003		1,561,925
	Unrealized gain on investment in gold		-		368,762
	Investment in gold - market value	$	1,040,003	$	1,930,687
Schedule Of Gold Receivable And Payable	'
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	(Amounts in 000's of US$)
	Gold receivable	$	-	$	-
	Gold payable	$	5,907	$	-
Schedule Of Redeemable Capital Shares	'
		Year		Year		Year
		Ended		Ended		Ended
	(Amounts in 000's of US$, except for Share and per Share data)	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-11
	Number of redeemable Shares
	Opening balance		11,750,000		10,750,000		8,250,000
	Creations		150,000		1,600,000		2,950,000
	Redemptions		-3,150,000		-600,000		-450,000
	Closing balance		8,750,000		11,750,000		10,750,000
	Redeemable Shares
	Opening balance	$	1,930,056	$	1,677,363	$	1,157,505
	Creations		22,226		268,941		466,053
	Redemptions		-418,671		-98,455		-71,329
	Adjustment to redemption value		-499,866		82,207		125,134
	Closing balance	$	1,033,745	$	1,930,056	$	1,677,363
	Redemption value per Share at year end	$	118.14	$	164.26	$	156.03
Schedule Of Investment In Gold	'
		Year		Year		Year
		Ended		Ended		Ended
	(Amounts in 000's of US$, except for ounces data)	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-11
	Ounces of gold
	Opening balance		1,160,268.7		1,065,686.5		821,051.2
	Creations		14,786.5		158,216.1		292,915.5
	Redemptions		-305,365.70		-59,341.10		-44,662.30
	Transfers of gold to pay expenses		-4,102.40		-4,292.80		-3,617.90
	Closing balance		865,587.1		1,160,268.7		1,065,686.5
	Investment in gold (lower of cost or market value)
	Opening balance	$	1,561,925	$	1,376,845	$	971,070
	Creations		22,226		268,941		466,053
	Redemptions		-411,683		-78,214		-55,844
	Transfers of gold to pay expenses		-5,528		-5,647		-4,434
	Realized loss on investment in gold		-126,937		-		-
	Closing balance	$	1,040,003	$	1,561,925	$	1,376,845

Organization_Details

Organization (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization [Abstract]	'
Minimum block of shares issued redeemed against gold	50,000

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Realized loss on gold	$126,936,978	'	'
Annualized rate of sponsors fee	0.39%	'	'
Sponsor fees	5,712,292	7,200,166	5,855,861
Fees payable to the Sponsor	350,601	630,835	'
Gold payable ounces of gold	4,916.45	'	'
Gold payable at cost	6,628,108	'	'
Gold payable at market value	$5,907,116	'	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Unrealized Gains Or Losses On The Trust's Gold Holdings) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Investment in gold - average cost	$1,166,940,000	$1,561,925,000
Realized loss on investment in gold	126,936,978	'
Investment in gold - lower of cost or market value	1,040,003,000	1,561,925,000
Unrealized gain on investment in gold	0	368,762,000
Investment in gold - market value	$1,040,003,000	$1,930,687,000

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Gold Receivable And Payable) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Gold payable	$5,907,116

Significant_Accounting_Policie6

Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Redeemable Capital Shares) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'		'		'
Opening balance (in Shares)	11,750,000		10,750,000		8,250,000
Creations (in Shares)	150,000		1,600,000		2,950,000
Redemptions (in Shares)	-3,150,000		-600,000		-450,000
Closing balance (in Shares)	8,750,000		11,750,000		10,750,000
Opening balance	$1,930,056	[1]	$1,677,363		$1,157,505
Creations	22,226		268,941		466,053
Redemptions	-418,671		-98,455		-71,329
Adjustment to redemption value	-499,866		82,207		125,134
Closing balance	$1,033,745	[1]	$1,930,056	[1]	$1,677,363
Redemption value per Share at period end (in Dollars per Share)	$118.14		$164.26		$156.03
[1]	Authorized share capital is unlimited and no par value per Share. Shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 were 8,750,000 and at December 31, 2012 were 11,750,000.

Significant_Accounting_Policie7

Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Investment In Gold) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
	oz		oz		oz
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'		'		'
Opening balance (in Ounces)	1,160,268.70		1,065,686.50		821,051.20
Creations (in Ounces)	14,786.50		158,216.10		292,915.50
Redemptions (in Ounces)	-305,365.70		-59,341.10		-44,662.30
Transfers of gold to pay expenses (in Ounces)	-4,102.40		-4,292.80		-3,617.90
Closing balance (in Ounces)	865,587.10		1,160,268.70		1,065,686.50
Opening balance	$1,561,925	[1]	$1,376,845		$971,070
Creations	22,226		268,941		466,053
Redemptions	-411,683		-78,214		-55,844
Transfers of gold to pay expenses	-5,528		-5,647		-4,434
Closing balance	$1,040,003	[1]	$1,561,925	[1]	$1,376,845
[1]	The investment in gold is valued at the lower of cost or market value. Refer to note 2.1 for a breakdown of cost and market value of the investment in gold.