497

SPDR^® Series Trust

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

July 11, 2013

VIA EDGAR

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, N.E.

Washington, D.C. 20549

Attention: Office of Filings, Information & Consumer Service

RE: SPDR Series Trust (“Registrant”)

File Nos.: 333-57793 and 811-08839

Dear Sir/Madam:

Pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, please find the XBRL-coded version of prospectus disclosure for the above-referenced Registrant. The attached XBRL-coded prospectus disclosure is based on the disclosure found in the Rule 497 filing for the Registrant on June 20, 2013 (Accession No. 0001193125-13-265937).

Any comments or questions with respect to this filing should be directed to my attention at (617) 662-3967.

Sincerely,

/s/  Mark E. Tuttle    

Mark E. Tuttle

Assistant Secretary

  Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.
EX-101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
EX-101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
EX-101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
EX-101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
EX-101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
EX-101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Aerospace & Defense ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Aerospace & Defense ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the aerospace and defense segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Aerospace & Defense ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Aerospace & Defense ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the period from the commencement of the Fund’s operations (September 28, 2011) to the end of the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 23% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the aerospace and defense industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 37 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the aerospace and defense industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the aerospace and defense industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The aerospace and defense industry can be significantly affected by government aerospace and defense regulation and spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. (and other) government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies which are typically under pressure from efforts to control the U.S. (and other) government budgets.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR RISK:  Stock prices for industrial companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation, world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Aerospace and defense companies, a component of the industrial sector, can be significantly affected by government spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. and foreign government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies which are typically under pressure from efforts to control the U.S. (and other) government budgets. Transportation stocks, a component of the industrial sector, are cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements which may result from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

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SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF

SPDR^® S&P Insurance ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Insurance ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded companies in the insurance industry.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 62% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Insurance Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the insurance industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $2 billion with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $1 billion or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is a modified equal weighted index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 44 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK: The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK: While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

INSURANCE SECTOR RISK: The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the insurance sector, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the insurance sector versus a fund that was more diversified. Insurance companies’ profits are affected by many factors, including interest rate movements, the imposition of premium rate caps, competition and pressure to compete globally. Certain types of insurance companies may also be affected by weather catastrophes and other disasters and mortality rates. In addition, although the industry is currently subject to extensive regulation, companies in this industry may be adversely affected by increased governmental regulations or tax law changes in the future.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK: Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Numerous financial services companies have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial services companies to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities (which include REITS). Declining real estate values could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK: An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK: The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 36.67% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -28.64% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Insurance Select Industry Index from the KBW Insurance Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR		FIVE YEARS		SINCE INCEPTION		INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF	(12.17%)		(6.54%)		(3.70%)		Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(12.43%)		(6.85%)		(4.00%)		Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(7.66%)		(5.49%)		(3.13%)		Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF S&P INSURANCE SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)		[1]		[1]		[1]	Sep. 12, 2011
SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF KBW INSURANCE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(12.31%)		(6.33%)		(3.46%)		Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 14.98%.

[1] The S&P Insurance Select Industry Index inception date is September 12, 2011.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Software & Services ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Software & Services ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the computer software segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the period from the commencement of the Fund’s operations (September 28, 2011) to the end of the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 32% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

32.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Software & Services Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the software and services industry group of the S&P Total Stock Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 147 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE/SERVICES SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the computer industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the computer industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The Fund will concentrate in segments of the computer industry. The computer industry, including companies servicing the computer industry, can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, aggressive pricing, technological developments, changing domestic demand, the ability to attract and retain skilled employees and availability and price of components. The market for products produced by computer companies is characterized by rapidly changing technology, rapid product obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. The success of industry participants depends in substantial part on the timely and successful introduction of new products and the ability to service such products. An unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting an issuer’s products or in the market for products based on a particular technology could have a material adverse effect on a participant’s operating results.

Many computer companies rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect their proprietary rights in their products and technologies. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by computer companies to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to such companies’ technology.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Software & Services ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Software & Services ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Semiconductor ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the semiconductor segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 36% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

36.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the semiconductors industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 47 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

SEMICONDUCTOR SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the semiconductor industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the semiconductor industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting companies in the semiconductor industry and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of companies in the semiconductor industry and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Companies in the semiconductor industry and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Additionally, companies in the semiconductor industry may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 23.93% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -31.08% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(5.04%)

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(47.81%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

99.20%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

15.84%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(18.24%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

(1.49%)

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

23.93%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(31.08%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(18.24%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.33%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(2.43%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(18.38%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.46%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(2.54%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(11.76%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.15%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(2.06%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF | S&P SEMICONDUCTOR SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(18.41%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.50%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(2.53%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was -1.49%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Food & Beverage ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Food & Beverage ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Food & Beverage ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the food and beverage segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”) other than brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]

rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates

“Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Food & Beverage Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the food and beverage industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 61 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:   The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:   While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE SECTOR RISK:   The food and beverage industry is highly competitive and can be significantly affected by demographic and product trends, competitive pricing, food fads, marketing campaigns, environmental factors, government regulation, consumer preferences, nutritional and health concerns, federal, state and local food inspection and processing controls, consumer product liability claims, possible product tampering and the availability/expense of liability insurance. There are also risks associated with changing market prices as a result of, among other things, change in government support and trading policies, and agricultural conditions influencing the growth and harvest seasons.

CONSUMER STAPLES SECTOR RISK:   Consumer staples companies are subject to government regulation affecting their products which may negatively impact such companies’ performance. For instance, government regulations may affect the permissibility of using various food additives and production methods of companies that make food products, which could affect company profitability. Tobacco companies may be adversely affected by the adoption of proposed legislation and/or by litigation. Also, the success of food, beverage, household and personal products companies may be strongly affected by consumer interest, marketing campaigns and other factors affecting supply and demand.

RETAIL SECTOR RISK:   Retail and related industries can be significantly affected by the performance of the domestic and international economy, consumer confidence and spending, intense competition, changes in demographics, and changing consumer tastes and preferences.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:   An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Food & Beverage ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Food & Beverage ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

^[2]

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

$ 113

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF

SPDR^® S&P Mortgage Finance ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Mortgage Finance ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the mortgage banking, processing and marketing segment of the U.S. financial services industry.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 91% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Mortgage Finance Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the mortgage finance industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $1 billion with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $600 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $500 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is a modified equal weighted index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 45 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK: The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK: While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

MORTGAGE SECTOR RISK: The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the mortgage industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the mortgage industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The mortgage industry can be significantly affected by regulatory changes, interest rate movements, home mortgage demand, refinancing activity, and residential delinquency trends. The residential real estate finance industry has changed rapidly over the last decade. Regulatory changes at banks and other federally insured institutions, in response to a high failure rate, have led to high capital ratios and more prudent underwriting. This reduced capacity has created growth opportunities for uninsured companies and secondary market products to fill unmet demand for home loans. Significant changes are occurring in the origination, packaging, marketing and selling, holding, and insuring of mortgage products.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK: Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Numerous financial services companies have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial services companies to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities (which include REITS). Declining real estate values could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK: An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK: The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (year ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 19.45% (Q4 2011)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -26.77% (Q3 2011)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund has changed its benchmark index to the S&P Mortgage Finance Select Industry Index from the KBW Mortgage Finance Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR		SINCE INCEPTION		INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF	(19.70%)		(5.43%)		Apr. 29, 2009
SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(20.08%)		(5.85%)		Apr. 29, 2009
SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(12.54%)		(4.59%)		Apr. 29, 2009
SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF S&P MORTGAGE FINANCE SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)		[1]		[1]	Sep. 12, 2011
SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF KBW MORTGAGE FINANCE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(21.09%)		(5.92%)		Apr. 29, 2009

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 26.75%.

[1] The S&P Mortgage Finance Select Industry Index inception date is September 12, 2011.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Aerospace & Defense ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Aerospace & Defense ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the aerospace and defense segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the period from the commencement of the Fund’s operations (September 28, 2011) to the end of the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 23% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

23.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the aerospace and defense industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 37 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the aerospace and defense industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the aerospace and defense industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The aerospace and defense industry can be significantly affected by government aerospace and defense regulation and spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. (and other) government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies which are typically under pressure from efforts to control the U.S. (and other) government budgets.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR RISK:  Stock prices for industrial companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation, world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Aerospace and defense companies, a component of the industrial sector, can be significantly affected by government spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. and foreign government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies which are typically under pressure from efforts to control the U.S. (and other) government budgets. Transportation stocks, a component of the industrial sector, are cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements which may result from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Aerospace & Defense ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Aerospace & Defense ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Software & Services ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Software & Services ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the computer software segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Software & Services ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Software & Services ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the period from the commencement of the Fund’s operations (September 28, 2011) to the end of the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 32% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Software & Services Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the software and services industry group of the S&P Total Stock Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 147 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE/SERVICES SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the computer industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the computer industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The Fund will concentrate in segments of the computer industry. The computer industry, including companies servicing the computer industry, can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, aggressive pricing, technological developments, changing domestic demand, the ability to attract and retain skilled employees and availability and price of components. The market for products produced by computer companies is characterized by rapidly changing technology, rapid product obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. The success of industry participants depends in substantial part on the timely and successful introduction of new products and the ability to service such products. An unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting an issuer’s products or in the market for products based on a particular technology could have a material adverse effect on a participant’s operating results.

Many computer companies rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect their proprietary rights in their products and technologies. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by computer companies to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to such companies’ technology.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Outsourcing and IT Consulting ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Outsourcing & IT Consulting ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Outsourcing & IT Consulting ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the outsourcing and information technology consulting segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Outsourcing and IT Consulting ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES	[2]	none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Outsourcing and IT Consulting ETF	36	113

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Outsourcing & IT Consulting Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the outsourcing and information technology consulting industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 48 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

OUTSOURCING AND CONSULTING SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the outsourcing and information technology consulting industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the outsourcing and information technology consulting industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The information technology consulting services and outsourcing industry can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, such as technological developments, fixed-rate pricing, and the ability to attract and retain skilled employees. The success of companies in this industry is subject to continued demand for business services.

COMPUTER SECTOR RISK:  The Fund will concentrate in segments of the computer industry. The computer industry can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, aggressive pricing, technological developments, changing domestic demand, the ability to attract and retain skilled employees and availability and price of components. The market for products produced by computer companies is characterized by rapidly changing technology, rapid product obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. The success of industry participants depends in substantial part on the timely and successful introduction of new products. An unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting an issuer’s products or in the market for products based on a particular technology could have a material adverse effect on a participant’s operating results.

Many computer companies rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect their proprietary rights in their products and technologies. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by computer companies to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to such companies’ technology.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Leisure Time ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® LeisureTime ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P LeisureTime ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the leisure industry segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]

rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates

“Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P LeisureTime Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the leisure industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 64 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

LEISURE SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the leisure industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the leisure industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The leisure industry can be significantly affected by the performance of the overall economy, changing consumer tastes, intense competition, technological developments, and government regulation.

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY SECTOR RISK:  The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Also, companies in the consumer discretionary sector may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products and services in the marketplace.

RETAIL SECTOR RISK:  Retail and related industries can be significantly affected by the performance of the domestic and international economy, consumer confidence and spending, intense competition, changes in demographics, and changing consumer tastes and preferences.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Leisure Time ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Leisure Time ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

$ 113

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® Wells Fargo^® Preferred Stock ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR Wells Fargo Preferred Stock ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index based upon Preferred Securities (as defined below).

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 69% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

69.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the Wells Fargo Hybrid and Preferred Securities Aggregate Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is a modified market capitalization weighted index designed to measure the performance of non-convertible preferred stock and securities that are functionally equivalent to preferred stock, including, but not limited to, depositary preferred securities, perpetual subordinated debt and certain securities issued by banks and other financial institutions that are eligible for capital treatment with respect to such instruments akin to that received for issuance of straight preferred stock (collectively, “Preferred Securities”). Preferred Securities generally pay fixed rate distributions and typically have “preference” over common stock in the payment of distributions and the liquidation of a company’s assets — preference means that a company must pay distributions on its Preferred Securities before paying dividends on its common stock, and the claims of Preferred Securities holders are ahead of common stockholders’ claims on assets in a corporate liquidation. The Index includes Preferred Securities that meet the following criteria: (i) are non-convertible; (ii) have a par amount of $25; (iii) are listed on the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”); (iv) maintain a minimum par value of $250 million; (v) are U.S. dollar denominated; (vi) are rated investment grade by one of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services; (vii) are publicly registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933; and (viii) have a minimum monthly trading volume during each of the last six months of at least 250,000 trading units. The Index does not include auction rate preferred securities, convertible preferred shares, securities subject to sinking fund provisions, shares in closed-end funds, municipal securities, or repackaged securities linked to a security, a basket of securities or an index. The Index is rebalanced monthly, on the final NYSE Arca trading day of each month. Issuers of Preferred Securities may be either U.S. based or foreign. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 134 Preferred Securities.

The Index is sponsored by Wells Fargo & Company (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK:  There are special risks associated with investing in Preferred Securities. Generally, Preferred Security holders (such as the Fund) have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless certain events occur. In addition, Preferred Securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. Unlike debt securities, dividend payments on a Preferred Security typically must be declared by the issuer’s board of directors. An issuer’s board of directors is generally not under any obligation to pay a dividend (even if such dividends have accrued), and may suspend payment of dividends on Preferred Securities at any time. In the event an issuer of Preferred Securities experiences economic difficulties, the issuer’s Preferred Securities may lose substantial value due to the reduced likelihood that the issuer’s board of directors will declare a dividend and the fact that the Preferred Security may be subordinated to other securities of the same issuer. There is a chance that the issuer of any of the Fund’s holdings will default (fail to make scheduled dividend payments on the Preferred Security or scheduled interest payments on other obligations of the issuer not held by the Fund).

INTEREST RATE RISK:  Because many Preferred Securities pay dividends at a fixed rate, their market price can be sensitive to changes in interest rates in a manner similar to bonds — that is, as interest rates rise, the value of the Preferred Securities held by the Fund are likely to decline. To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in fixed rate Preferred Securities, rising interest rates may cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline significantly.

ISSUER RISK:  Because many Preferred Securities allow holders to convert the Preferred Securities into common stock of the issuer, their market price can be sensitive to changes in the value of the issuer’s common stock and, therefore, declining common stock values may also cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline.

CALL RISK:  Preferred Securities often have call features which allow the issuer to redeem the security at its discretion. The redemption of a Preferred Security having a higher than average yield may cause a decrease in the Fund’s yield.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK:  Preferred Securities may be issued by financial institutions. Financial institutions are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and the interest rates and fees they can charge. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and caused certain financial institutions to incur large losses. Numerous financial institutions have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial institutions to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector.

FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK:  Returns on investments in foreign securities could be more volatile than, or trail the returns on, investments in U.S. securities. Investments in securities issued by entities based outside the U.S. pose distinct risks since political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. Further, such entities and/or their securities may also be affected by currency controls; different accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and legal standards and practices; expropriation; changes in tax policy; greater market volatility; differing securities market structures; higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. Securities traded on foreign markets may be less liquid (harder to sell) than securities traded domestically. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in developing or emerging countries.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (year ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 10.56% (Q3 2010)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -5.52% (Q3 2011)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF | SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.45%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 46

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

144

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

252

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 567

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

14.39%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

0.90%

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

12.74%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2010

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

10.56%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(5.52%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.90%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

9.14%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 16, 2009

SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(1.18%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.97%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 16, 2009

SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.87%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.67%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 16, 2009

SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF | WELLS FARGO HYBRID AND PREFERRED SECURITIES AGGREGATE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.87%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

9.50%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 16, 2009

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 12.74%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® Global Dow ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR Global Dow ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of multinational blue-chip issuers.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 11% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

11.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of The Global Dow (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is made up of 150 constituents from around the world selected by an Averages Committee comprised of the managing editor of the Wall Street Journal, the head of Dow Jones Indexes research and the head of CME Group research. The 150 companies are selected not just based on size and reputation, but also on their promise of future growth. The Index has been designed to cover both developed and emerging countries. The Index is equal weighted and will be reset to equal weights annually each September. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 150 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK:  Returns on investments in foreign securities could be more volatile than, or trail the returns on, investments in U.S. securities. Investments in securities issued by entities based outside the U.S. pose distinct risks since political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. Further, such entities and/or their securities may also be affected by currency controls; different accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and legal standards and practices; expropriation; changes in tax policy; greater market volatility; differing securities market structures; higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. Securities traded on foreign markets may be less liquid (harder to sell) than securities traded domestically. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in developing or emerging countries.

EMERGING MARKETS RISK:  Investment in emerging markets subjects the Fund to a greater risk of loss than investments in a developed market. This is due to, among other things, greater market volatility, lower trading volume, political and economic instability, high levels of inflation, deflation or currency devaluation, greater risk of market shut down, and more governmental limitations on foreign investment policy than those typically found in a developed market. In addition, the financial stability of issuers (including governments) in emerging market countries may be more precarious than in other countries. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility in a Fund’s investments in emerging market countries, which may be magnified by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. Settlement practices for transactions in foreign markets may differ from those in U.S. markets. Such differences include delays beyond periods customary in the United States and practices, such as delivery of securities prior to receipt of payment, which increase the likelihood of a “failed settlement.” Failed settlements can result in losses to the Fund. For these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered speculative.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 15.94% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -19.80% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Effective May 2, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to The Global Dow from the Dow Jones Global Titans 50 Index U.S. Close. The Fund’s performance prior to May 1, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective May 2, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to The Global Dow from the Dow Jones Global Titans 50 Index U.S. Close. The Fund’s performance prior to May 1, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF | SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.50%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.50%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 51

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

160

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

280

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 628

2002

rr_AnnualReturn2002

(23.36%)

^[2]

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

24.94%

^[2]

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

7.32%

^[2]

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

2.90%

^[2]

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

19.83%

^[2]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

5.95%

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(37.73%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

23.40%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

4.73%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(11.58%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

8.86%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

15.94%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(19.80%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(11.58%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(5.49%)

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

(0.46%)

SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(11.95%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(5.87%)

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

(0.84%)

SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(7.11%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(4.56%)

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

(0.41%)

SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF | THE GLOBAL DOW (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(11.70%)

^[3]

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

^[3]

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

^[3]

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 09, 2008

SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF | DOW JONES GLOBAL TITANS 50 INDEX U.S. CLOSE (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.70%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(3.04%)

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

1.10%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 8.86%.

[3] The Global Dow inception date is November 9, 2008.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF

SPDR^® S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of small capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “value” characteristics.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” reflect the Fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly through its ownership in other investment companies, such as business development companies (“BDCs”). BDC expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by the Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with fund operations. This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.25%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
ACQUIRED FUND FEES AND EXPENSES	[2]	0.06%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES	[2]	0.31%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF	32	100	174	393

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 34% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization value sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks, including BDCs, in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index exhibiting the strongest value characteristics based on: (i) book value to price ratio; (ii) earnings to price ratio; and (iii) sales to price ratio. The selection universe for the S&P SmallCap 600 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally between $300 million and $1.4 billion at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 455 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

SMALL CAP RISK:  Small-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large- and mid-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of small companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger companies.

VALUE RISK:  The Fund employs a “value” style of investing that emphasizes undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that the valuations never improve or that the returns on “value” equity securities are less than returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 25.67% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -25.28% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	TEN YEARS
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF	(1.53%)	1.22%	8.24%
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(1.80%)	0.69%	7.36%
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(0.85%)	0.81%	7.06%
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF S&P SMALLCAP 600 VALUE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(1.38%)	0.12%	6.69%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" are not included in the Fund's financial statements, which provide a clearer picture of a fund's actual operating costs.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 14.43%.

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SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF

SPDR^® S&P Capital Markets ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Capital Markets ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded companies that do business as broker-dealers, asset managers, trust and custody banks or exchanges.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” reflect the Fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly through its ownership in other investment companies, such as business development companies (“BDCs”). BDC expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by the Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with fund operations. This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES	[2]	none
ACQUIRED FUND FEES AND EXPENSES	[3]	0.91%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES	[2][3]	1.26%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF	128	400	692	1,523

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 64% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Capital Markets Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the capital markets industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents, including BDCs, belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is a modified equal weighted index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 45 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

CAPITAL MARKETS SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the capital markets sector, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the capital markets sector versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies within the Index can be significantly affected by stock and bank trading activity, changes in governmental regulation, continuing increases in price competition, decreases in fees or fee-related business, including investment banking, brokerage, asset management and other servicing fees, fluctuation in interest rates and other factors which could adversely affect financial markets.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK:  Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Numerous financial services companies have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial services companies to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities (which include REITS). Declining real estate values could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

BDC INVESTING RISK:  BDCs, by their nature, invest in and provide services to privately held and thinly traded companies, which involve greater risk than well established, publicly-traded companies. Further, because BDCs are regulated as investment companies, there are regulatory constraints on both the BDC’s operations, which could negatively impact the performance of the BDC, and on a fund’s ability to invest in BDCs, which could increase the risk of tracking error.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 29.06% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -33.43% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Capital Markets Select Industry Index from the KBW Capital Markets Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR		FIVE YEARS		SINCE INCEPTION		INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF	(25.39%)		(14.83%)		(8.16%)		Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(25.80%)		(15.06%)		(8.47%)		Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(16.27%)		(11.90%)		(6.61%)		Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF S&P CAPITAL MARKETS SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)		[1]		[1]		[1]	Sep. 12, 2011
SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF KBW CAPITAL MARKETS INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(25.41%)		(14.65%)		(7.94%)		Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] Amounts do not reflect certain other expenses of 0.01% incurred during the prior fiscal year which are not expected to be incurred during the current fiscal year.

[3] "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" are not included in the Fund's financial statements, which provide a clearer picture of a fund's actual operating costs.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 18.00%.

[1] The S&P Capital Markets Select Industry Index inception date is September 12, 2011.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Retail ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Retail ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the retail segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 39% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

39.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Retail Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the retail industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 96 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

RETAIL SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the retail industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the retail industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Retail and related industries can be significantly affected by the performance of the domestic and international economy, consumer confidence and spending, intense competition, changes in demographics, and changing consumer tastes and preferences.

CONSUMER STAPLES SECTOR RISK:  Consumer staples companies are subject to government regulation affecting their products which may negatively impact such companies’ performance. For instance, government regulations may affect the permissibility of using various food additives and production methods of companies that make food products, which could affect company profitability. Tobacco companies may be adversely affected by the adoption of proposed legislation and/or by litigation. Also, the success of food, beverage, household and personal products companies may be strongly affected by consumer interest, marketing campaigns and other factors affecting supply and demand.

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY SECTOR RISK:  The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Also, companies in the consumer discretionary sector may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products and services in the marketplace.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 23.68% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -32.30% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF

Risk/Return:

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MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(16.13%)

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(38.79%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

77.66%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

37.08%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

9.68%

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

20.36%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

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Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

23.68%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

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Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(32.30%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.68%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

6.52%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

7.89%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.39%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

6.15%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

7.55%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

6.37%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.41%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.65%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF | S&P RETAIL SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.89%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

6.84%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.22%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 20.36%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF

SPDR^® S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of medium capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “value” characteristics.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” reflect the Fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly through its ownership in other investment companies, such as business development companies (“BDCs”). BDC expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by the Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with fund operations. This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.25%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
ACQUIRED FUND FEES AND EXPENSES	[2]	0.03%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES	[2]	0.28%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF	29	90	157	356

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 28% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Value Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization value sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks, including BDCs, in the S&P MidCap 400 Index exhibiting the strongest value characteristics based on: (i) book value to price ratio; (ii) earnings to price ratio; and (iii) sales to price ratio. The selection universe for the S&P MidCap 400 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally between $1 billion and $4.4 billion at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 300 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

MID CAP RISK:   Mid-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of mid-size companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger or smaller companies.

VALUE RISK:   The Fund employs a “value” style of investing that emphasizes undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that the valuations never improve or that the returns on “value” equity securities are less than returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:   An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 23.46% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -24.41% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P MidCap 400 Value Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF	(2.60%)	0.09%	3.15%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(2.98%)	(0.46%)	2.57%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(1.48%)	(0.15%)	2.49%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF S&P MIDCAP 400 VALUE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(2.43%)	1.38%	3.90%	Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" are not included in the Fund's financial statements, which provide a clearer picture of a fund's actual operating costs.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 13.28%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Outsourcing and IT Consulting ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Outsourcing & IT Consulting ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Outsourcing & IT Consulting ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the outsourcing and information technology consulting segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]

rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates

“Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Outsourcing & IT Consulting Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the outsourcing and information technology consulting industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 48 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

OUTSOURCING AND CONSULTING SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the outsourcing and information technology consulting industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the outsourcing and information technology consulting industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The information technology consulting services and outsourcing industry can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, such as technological developments, fixed-rate pricing, and the ability to attract and retain skilled employees. The success of companies in this industry is subject to continued demand for business services.

COMPUTER SECTOR RISK:  The Fund will concentrate in segments of the computer industry. The computer industry can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, aggressive pricing, technological developments, changing domestic demand, the ability to attract and retain skilled employees and availability and price of components. The market for products produced by computer companies is characterized by rapidly changing technology, rapid product obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. The success of industry participants depends in substantial part on the timely and successful introduction of new products. An unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting an issuer’s products or in the market for products based on a particular technology could have a material adverse effect on a participant’s operating results.

Many computer companies rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect their proprietary rights in their products and technologies. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by computer companies to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to such companies’ technology.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Outsourcing and IT Consulting ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Outsourcing and IT Consulting ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

$ 113

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

XML

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF

SPDR^® Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of mid-capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.25%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.25%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF	26	80	141	318

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 20% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Mid-Cap Total Stock Market Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that represents the mid-cap portion of the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index (“Total Stock Market Index”). The Total Stock Market Index tracks all the U.S. common stocks regularly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Amex and the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Index includes the components of the Total Stock Market Index ranked 501-1,000 by full market capitalization. The composition of the Index is assigned based on the semiannual review of the Total Stock Market Index. New issues are added to the Index on a monthly basis as new issues are added to the Total Stock Market Index and fall within the mid cap portion. An issue is removed as soon as prudently possible if it fails to meet the inclusion requirement of the Total Stock Market Index. Shares and float factors of the Index are updated on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 502 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

MID CAP RISK:  Mid-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of mid-size companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger or smaller companies.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 22.89% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -25.80% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF	(0.83%)	2.95%	5.22%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(1.10%)	2.41%	4.69%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(0.35%)	2.31%	4.32%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF DOW JONES U.S. MID-CAP TOTAL STOCK MARKET INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(0.67%)	3.05%	5.35%	Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 12.84%.

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SPDR(R) S&P(R) Food & Beverage ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Food & Beverage ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Food & Beverage ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the food and beverage segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”) other than brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Food & Beverage ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES	[2]	none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES	[2]	0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Food & Beverage ETF	36	113

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Food & Beverage Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the food and beverage industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 61 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:   The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:   While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE SECTOR RISK:   The food and beverage industry is highly competitive and can be significantly affected by demographic and product trends, competitive pricing, food fads, marketing campaigns, environmental factors, government regulation, consumer preferences, nutritional and health concerns, federal, state and local food inspection and processing controls, consumer product liability claims, possible product tampering and the availability/expense of liability insurance. There are also risks associated with changing market prices as a result of, among other things, change in government support and trading policies, and agricultural conditions influencing the growth and harvest seasons.

CONSUMER STAPLES SECTOR RISK:   Consumer staples companies are subject to government regulation affecting their products which may negatively impact such companies’ performance. For instance, government regulations may affect the permissibility of using various food additives and production methods of companies that make food products, which could affect company profitability. Tobacco companies may be adversely affected by the adoption of proposed legislation and/or by litigation. Also, the success of food, beverage, household and personal products companies may be strongly affected by consumer interest, marketing campaigns and other factors affecting supply and demand.

RETAIL SECTOR RISK:   Retail and related industries can be significantly affected by the performance of the domestic and international economy, consumer confidence and spending, intense competition, changes in demographics, and changing consumer tastes and preferences.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:   An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

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SPDR(R) S&P(R) Transportation ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Transportation ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the transportation segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Transportation ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Transportation ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 25% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Transportation Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the transportation industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 39 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

TRANSPORTATION SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the transportation industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the transportation industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The transportation industry can be significantly affected by changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor relations, technology developments, exchange rates, insurance costs, industry competition and government regulation.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR RISK:  Stock prices for industrial companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation, world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Aerospace and defense companies, a component of the industrial sector, can be significantly affected by government spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. and foreign government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies which are typically under pressure from efforts to control the U.S. (and other) government budgets. Transportation stocks, a component of the industrial sector, are cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements which may result from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

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SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Semiconductor ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the semiconductor segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 36% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the semiconductors industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 47 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

SEMICONDUCTOR SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the semiconductor industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the semiconductor industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting companies in the semiconductor industry and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of companies in the semiconductor industry and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Companies in the semiconductor industry and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Additionally, companies in the semiconductor industry may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 23.93% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -31.08% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF	(18.24%)	(1.33%)	(2.43%)	Jan. 31, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(18.38%)	(1.46%)	(2.54%)	Jan. 31, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(11.76%)	(1.15%)	(2.06%)	Jan. 31, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Semiconductor ETF S&P SEMICONDUCTOR SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(18.41%)	(1.50%)	(2.53%)	Jan. 31, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was -1.49%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF

SPDR^® S&P Regional Banking ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the regional banking segment of the U.S. banking industry.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 44% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the regional banks industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is a modified equal weighted index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 76 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

BANKING SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the banking sector, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the banking sector versus a fund that was more diversified. The performance of bank stocks may be affected by extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and the interest rates and fees they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers can negatively impact the sector. Banks may also be subject to severe price competition. The regional banking industry is highly competitive and failure to maintain or increase market share may result in lost market share.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK:  Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Numerous financial services companies have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial services companies to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities (which include REITS). Declining real estate values could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 34.92% (Q3 2008)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -33.24% (Q1 2009)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index from the KBW Regional Banking Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR		FIVE YEARS		SINCE INCEPTION		INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF	(5.64%)		(10.86%)		(8.92%)		Jun. 19, 2006
RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF	(6.00%)		(11.52%)		(9.57%)		Jun. 19, 2006
RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF	(3.43%)		(9.08%)		(7.50%)		Jun. 19, 2006
S&P REGIONAL BANKS SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF		[1]		[1]		[1]	Sep. 12, 2011
KBW REGIONAL BANKING INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF	(5.14%)		(10.78%)		(8.69%)		Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 18.72%.

[1] The S&P Regional Bank Select Industry Index inception date is September 12, 2011.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P 600 Small Cap ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of small capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” reflect the Fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly through its ownership in other investment companies, such as business development companies (“BDCs”). BDC expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by the Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with fund operations. This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 13% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

13.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector in the U.S. equity market. The selection universe for the Index includes all U.S. common equities, including BDCs, listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally between $300 million and $1.4 billion at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted and changes to the Index are made on an as-needed basis. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 603 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

SMALL CAP RISK:  Small-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large- and mid-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of small companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger companies.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 26.04% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -26.84% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF | SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.20%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

ACQUIRED FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.03%

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.23%

^[2]

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 24

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

74

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

130

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 293

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

16.59%

^[3]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

1.69%

^[3]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(37.47%)

^[3]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

41.21%

^[3]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

27.38%

^[3]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

0.92%

^[3]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

13.68%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

26.04%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(26.84%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.92%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.91%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.55%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.69%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.57%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.17%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.72%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.34%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.65%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF | S&P SMALLCAP 600 INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.02%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.94%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.17%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" are not included in the Fund's financial statements, which provide a clearer picture of a fund's actual operating costs.

[3] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 13.68%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of mid-capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 20% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

20.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

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THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

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In seeking to track the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Mid-Cap Total Stock Market Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that represents the mid-cap portion of the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index (“Total Stock Market Index”). The Total Stock Market Index tracks all the U.S. common stocks regularly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Amex and the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Index includes the components of the Total Stock Market Index ranked 501-1,000 by full market capitalization. The composition of the Index is assigned based on the semiannual review of the Total Stock Market Index. New issues are added to the Index on a monthly basis as new issues are added to the Total Stock Market Index and fall within the mid cap portion. An issue is removed as soon as prudently possible if it fails to meet the inclusion requirement of the Total Stock Market Index. Shares and float factors of the Index are updated on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 502 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

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PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

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As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

MID CAP RISK:  Mid-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of mid-size companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger or smaller companies.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

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As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

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NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

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FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

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The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

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The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

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http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

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The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

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ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

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Highest Quarterly Return: 22.89% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -25.80% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

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AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

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The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

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Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

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The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

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The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF | SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

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MANAGEMENT FEES

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0.25%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

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none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

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none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

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0.25%

YEAR 1

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$ 26

YEAR 3

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80

YEAR 5

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141

YEAR 10

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$ 318

2006

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13.27%

^[2]

2007

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5.59%

^[2]

2008

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(38.73%)

^[2]

2009

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44.20%

^[2]

2010

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25.01%

^[2]

2011

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(0.83%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

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Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

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Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

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12.84%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

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Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

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Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

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22.89%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

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Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

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Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

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(25.80%)

ONE YEAR

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(0.83%)

FIVE YEARS

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2.95%

SINCE INCEPTION

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5.22%

INCEPTION DATE

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Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

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ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(1.10%)

FIVE YEARS

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2.41%

SINCE INCEPTION

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4.69%

INCEPTION DATE

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Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

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ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(0.35%)

FIVE YEARS

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2.31%

SINCE INCEPTION

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4.32%

INCEPTION DATE

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Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Mid Cap ETF | DOW JONES U.S. MID-CAP TOTAL STOCK MARKET INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

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ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(0.67%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.05%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.35%

INCEPTION DATE

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Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 12.84%.

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SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Pharmaceuticals ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the pharmaceuticals segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example } (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Pharmaceuticals Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the pharmaceuticals industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 31 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:   While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

PHARMACEUTICALS SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the pharmaceuticals industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the pharmaceuticals industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies in the pharmaceutical industry are heavily dependent on patent protection. The expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of the companies. Pharmaceutical companies are also subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and other similar claims. Many new products are subject to approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The process of obtaining FDA approval can be long and costly and approved products are susceptible to obsolescence. Pharmaceutical companies are also subject to heavy competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting.

HEALTH CARE SECTOR RISK:   Companies in the health care sector are subject to extensive government regulation and their profitability can be significantly affected by restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure (including price discounting), limited product lines and an increased emphasis on the delivery of healthcare through outpatient services. Companies in the health care sector are heavily dependent on obtaining and defending patents, which may be time consuming and costly, and the expiration of patents may also adversely affect the profitability of the companies. Health care companies are also subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. In addition, their products can become obsolete due to industry innovation, changes in technologies or other market developments. Many new products in the health care sector require significant research and development and may be subject to regulatory approvals, all of which may be time consuming and costly with no guarantee that any product will come to market.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 17.74% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -10.04% (Q1 2009)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF	12.75%	9.60%	10.63%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	12.54%	9.37%	10.40%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	8.53%	8.29%	9.23%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF S&P PHARMACEUTICALS SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	12.85%	9.77%	10.82%	Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 18.07%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Building & Construction ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Building & Construction ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Building & Construction ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the building and construction segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Building & Construction ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES	[2]	none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Building & Construction ETF	36	113

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Building & Construction Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the building and construction industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 118 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the building and construction industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the building and construction industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies within the Index can be significantly affected by the national, regional and local residential and commercial real estate markets. This industry is also sensitive to interest rate fluctuations which can cause changes in the availability of mortgage capital and directly affect the purchasing power of potential homebuyers. The building industry can be significantly affected by changes in government spending, zoning laws, taxation, consumer confidence, real estate values, demographic patterns, building inventories, and the level of new and existing home sales. Natural disasters and environmental issues can also affect the building industry.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR RISK:  Stock prices for industrial companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation, world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Aerospace and defense companies, a component of the industrial sector, can be significantly affected by government spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. and foreign government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies which are typically under pressure from efforts to control the U.S. (and other) government budgets. Transportation stocks, a component of the industrial sector, are cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements which may result from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

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SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Services ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Health Care Services ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the health care providers and services segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Services ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Services ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the period from the commencement of the Fund’s operations (September 28, 2011) to the end of the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 25% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Health Care Services Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the health care services industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 54 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

HEALTH CARE SERVICES SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the health care providers and services industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the health care providers and services industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies in the health care industry are affected by rising costs of medical products, devices and services and the increased emphasis on the delivery of health care through outpatient services. The health care industry is highly competitive and can be significantly affected by extensive government regulation or government reimbursement for medical expenses. The equipment may be subject to extensive litigation based on malpractice claims, product liability claims or other litigation. Medical equipment manufacturers are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect their profitability. Many new health care products are subject to the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The process of obtaining FDA approval is often long and expensive.

HEALTH CARE SECTOR RISK:  Companies in the health care sector are subject to extensive government regulation and their profitability can be significantly affected by restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure (including price discounting), limited product lines and an increased emphasis on the delivery of healthcare through outpatient services. Companies in the health care sector are heavily dependent on obtaining and defending patents, which may be time consuming and costly, and the expiration of patents may also adversely affect the profitability of the companies. Health care companies are also subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. In addition, their products can become obsolete due to industry innovation, changes in technologies or other market developments. Many new products in the health care sector require significant research and development and may be subject to regulatory approvals, all of which may be time consuming and costly with no guarantee that any product will come to market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

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SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Dividend ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded issuers that have historically followed a policy of making dividend payments.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 94% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund, generally expects the Fund to hold less than the total number of securities in the Index, but reserves the right to hold as many securities as it believes necessary to achieve the Fund’s investment objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by the Adviser).

The Index is designed to measure the performance of the highest dividend yielding S&P Composite 1500^® Index constituents that have followed a managed-dividends policy of consistently increasing dividends every year for at least 20 consecutive years. Stocks included in the Index have both capital growth and dividend income characteristics, as opposed to stocks that are pure yield, or pure capital oriented, and must meet minimum float-adjusted market capitalization and liquidity requirements. Stocks within the Index are weighted by indicated yield (annualized gross dividend payment per share divided by price per share) and weight-adjusted each quarter. The Index components are reviewed annually in January for continued inclusion in the Index and re-weighted quarterly in April, July and October. A component stock may be removed from the Index if, among other factors, 1) during the January rebalancing, dividends did not increase from the previous year, or 2) at any time during the year, a company is removed from the S&P Composite 1500 Index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 83 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 17.28% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -16.22% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF	7.25%	1.40%	4.14%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	6.58%	0.60%	3.39%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	5.24%	0.93%	3.34%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF S&P HIGH YIELD DIVIDEND ARISTOCRATS INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	7.63%	1.53%	4.29%	Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 10.35%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Equipment ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Health Care Equipment ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the health care equipment and supplies segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 42% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

42.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Health Care Equipment Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the health care equipment industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 58 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the health care equipment and supplies industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the health care equipment and supplies industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies in the health care industry are affected by rising costs of medical products, devices and services and the increased emphasis on the delivery of health care through outpatient services. The health care industry is highly competitive and can be significantly affected by extensive government regulation or government reimbursement for medical expenses. The equipment may be subject to extensive litigation based on malpractice claims, product liability claims or other litigation. Medical equipment manufacturers are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect their profitability. Many new health care products are subject to the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The process of obtaining FDA approval is often long and expensive.

HEALTH CARE SECTOR RISK:  Companies in the health care sector are subject to extensive government regulation and their profitability can be significantly affected by restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure (including price discounting), limited product lines and an increased emphasis on the delivery of healthcare through outpatient services. Companies in the health care sector are heavily dependent on obtaining and defending patents, which may be time consuming and costly, and the expiration of patents may also adversely affect the profitability of the companies. Health care companies are also subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. In addition, their products can become obsolete due to industry innovation, changes in technologies or other market developments. Many new products in the health care sector require significant research and development and may be subject to regulatory approvals, all of which may be time consuming and costly with no guarantee that any product will come to market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Equipment ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Equipment ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of medium capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “value” characteristics.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” reflect the Fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly through its ownership in other investment companies, such as business development companies (“BDCs”). BDC expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by the Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with fund operations. This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 28% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

28.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Value Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization value sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks, including BDCs, in the S&P MidCap 400 Index exhibiting the strongest value characteristics based on: (i) book value to price ratio; (ii) earnings to price ratio; and (iii) sales to price ratio. The selection universe for the S&P MidCap 400 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally between $1 billion and $4.4 billion at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 300 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

MID CAP RISK:   Mid-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of mid-size companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger or smaller companies.

VALUE RISK:   The Fund employs a “value” style of investing that emphasizes undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that the valuations never improve or that the returns on “value” equity securities are less than returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:   An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 23.46% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -24.41% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P MidCap 400 Value Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P MidCap 400 Value Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF | SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.25%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

ACQUIRED FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.03%

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[2]

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 29

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

90

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

157

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 356

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

15.42%

^[3]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(1.52%)

^[3]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(34.64%)

^[3]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

31.64%

^[3]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

21.69%

^[3]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(2.60%)

^[3]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

13.28%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

23.46%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 30, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(24.41%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(2.60%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.09%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.15%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(2.98%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.46%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.57%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(1.48%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.15%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.49%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF | S&P MIDCAP 400 VALUE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(2.43%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.38%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.90%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" are not included in the Fund's financial statements, which provide a clearer picture of a fund's actual operating costs.

[3] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 13.28%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of U.S. equity securities exhibiting price momentum.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES	[2]	none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3
SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF	36	113

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P 1500 Positive Momentum Tilt Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund, generally expects the Fund to hold less than the total number of securities in the Index, but reserves the right to hold as many securities as it believes necessary to achieve the Fund’s investment objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities, including business development companies, comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by the Adviser).

The Index applies an alternative weighting methodology to the S&P Composite 1500 Index so that stocks with relatively high momentum are overweight relative to the S&P Composite 1500 Index and stocks with relatively low momentum are underweight. The S&P Composite 1500 Index, one of the leading indices of the U.S. equity market, is a capitalization-weighted combination of the large-cap S&P 500 Index, the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. A “momentum” style of investing emphasizes investing in securities that have had higher recent price performance compared to other securities. In constructing the Index, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“Index Provider”) estimates the momentum of each stock in the S&P Composite 1500 Index based on its price performance over the 11 months ending one month before the index rebalancing date, and ranks all 1,500 Index constituents in order of momentum. S&P then forms 20 sub-portfolios of approximately equal market capitalization, grouped by momentum. S&P defines a sub-portfolio allocation factor so that a sub-portfolio with relatively high momentum will have a higher allocation factor than a sub-portfolio with relatively low momentum. The weight of each stock in the Index is proportionate to its market capitalization and to its sub-portfolio allocation factor. The Index is rebalanced quarterly on or about the end of January, April, July, and October. As of September 30, 2012, there were approximately 1,486 securities in the Index.

The Index is sponsored by the Index Provider which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

MOMENTUM RISK:  The Fund employs a “momentum” style of investing that emphasizes investing in securities that have had higher recent price performance compared to other securities. This style of investing is subject to the risk that these securities may be more volatile than a broad cross-section of securities or that the returns on securities that have previously exhibited price momentum are less than returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market. Momentum can turn quickly and cause significant variation from other types of investments.

UNCONSTRAINED SECTOR RISK:  The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets within one or more economic sectors or industries, which may change from period to period. To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in one or more sectors, market or economic factors impacting those sectors could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. Additionally, the Fund’s performance may be more volatile when the Fund’s investments are less diversified across sectors.

TURNOVER RISK:  The Fund may have higher portfolio turnover than a fund that seeks to track a traditionally weighted index. A high rate of portfolio turnover could produce higher trading costs and taxable distributions, which would detract from the Fund’s performance.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P 500 Value ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P 500 Value ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P 500 Value ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of large capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “value” characteristics.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 25% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

25.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P 500 Value Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization value sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 Index exhibiting the strongest value characteristics based on: (i) book value to price ratio; (ii) earnings to price ratio; and (iii) sales to price ratio. The selection universe for the S&P 500 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally of $4.0 billion or more at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 368 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

LARGE CAP RISK:  Returns on investments in stocks of large U.S. companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of smaller and mid-sized companies.

VALUE RISK:  The Fund employs a “value” style of investing that emphasizes undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that the valuations never improve or that the returns on “value” equity securities are less than returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

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http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

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The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

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ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

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Highest Quarterly Return: 18.25% (Q2 2003)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -21.13% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

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AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

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Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P 500 Value Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

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The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

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Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

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The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund shares.

Performance Table Narrative

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The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P 500 Value Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P 500 Value ETF | SPDR(R) S & P 500 Value ETF

Risk/Return:

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MANAGEMENT FEES

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0.20%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

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none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

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none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

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0.20%

YEAR 1

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$ 20

YEAR 3

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64

YEAR 5

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113

YEAR 10

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$ 255

2002

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(17.61%)

^[2]

2003

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25.51%

^[2]

2004

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13.12%

^[2]

2005

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5.48%

^[2]

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

21.55%

^[2]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

1.70%

^[2]

2008

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(36.49%)

^[2]

2009

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17.17%

^[2]

2010

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15.39%

^[2]

2011

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(0.66%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

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Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

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Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

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15.56%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

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Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

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Jun. 30, 2003

Highest Quarterly Return

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18.25%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

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Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

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Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

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(21.13%)

ONE YEAR

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(0.66%)

FIVE YEARS

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(2.80%)

TEN YEARS

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2.67%

SPDR(R) S&P 500 Value ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S & P 500 Value ETF

Risk/Return:

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ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(1.02%)

FIVE YEARS

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(3.28%)

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

2.16%

SPDR(R) S&P 500 Value ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S & P 500 Value ETF

Risk/Return:

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ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(0.03%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(2.44%)

TEN YEARS

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2.25%

SPDR(R) S&P 500 Value ETF | S&P 500 VALUE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(0.48%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(2.96%)

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.52%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 15.56%.

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SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the oil and gas exploration and production segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 42% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the oil and gas exploration and production industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 72 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:   The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:   While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

OIL AND GAS SECTOR RISK:   The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the oil and gas exploration and production industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the oil and gas exploration and production industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies in the oil and gas sector develop and produce crude oil and natural gas and provide drilling and other energy resources production and distribution related services. Stock prices for these types of companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil and gas, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Correspondingly, securities of companies in the energy field are subject to swift price and supply fluctuations caused by events relating to international politics, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. Weak demand for the companies’ products or services or for energy products and services in general, as well as negative developments in these other areas, would adversely impact the Fund’s performance. Oil and gas exploration and production can be significantly affected by natural disasters as well as changes in exchange rates, interest rates, government regulation, world events and economic conditions. These companies may be at risk for environmental damage claims.

ENERGY SECTOR RISK:  Energy companies develop and produce oil, gas and consumable fuels and provide drilling and other energy resources production and distribution related services. Stock prices for these types of companies are affected by supply and demand, exploration and production spending, world events and economic conditions, swift price and supply fluctuations, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. Weak demand for energy companies’ products or services or for energy products and services in general, as well as negative developments in these other areas, including natural disasters or terrorist attacks, would adversely impact the Fund’s performance.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:   An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 30.52% (Q2 2008)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -35.77% (Q3 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF	0.91%	7.31%	8.95%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	0.67%	7.19%	8.84%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	0.74%	6.30%	7.77%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF S&P OIL & GAS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	1.05%	7.58%	9.22%	Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 6.49%.

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SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF

SPDR^® Dow Jones Large Cap ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR Dow Jones Large Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of large capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.20%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.20%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF	20	64	113	255

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 4% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Total Stock Market Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that represents the large-cap portion of the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index (“Total Stock Market Index”). The Total Stock Market Index tracks all the U.S. common stocks regularly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Amex and the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Index includes the components of the Total Stock Market Index ranked approximately 1-750 by full market capitalization. The composition of the Index is assigned based on the semiannual review of the Total Stock Market Index. New issues are added to the Index on a monthly basis as new issues are added to the Total Stock Market Index and fall within the large cap portion. An issue is removed as soon as prudently possible if it fails to meet the inclusion requirement of the Total Stock Market Index. Shares and float factors of the Index are updated on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 749 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

LARGE CAP RISK:  Returns on investments in stocks of large U.S. companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of smaller and mid-sized companies.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 15.57% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -22.14% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF	1.60%	0.02%	2.83%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	1.28%	(0.36%)	2.45%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	1.37%	(0.09%)	2.33%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF DOW JONES U.S. LARGE-CAP TOTAL STOCK MARKET INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	1.71%	0.08%	2.91%	Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 16.09%.

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Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

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Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

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Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

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SPDR^® Dow Jones REIT ETF

Objective [Heading]

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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded real estate investment trusts.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 7% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

7.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Select REIT Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is designed to provide a measure of real estate securities that serve as proxies for direct real estate investing, in part by excluding securities whose value is not always closely tied to the value of the underlying real estate. The reason for the exclusions is that factors other than real estate supply and demand, such as interest rates, influence the market value of these companies. The Index is a market capitalization weighted index of publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and is comprised of companies whose charters are the equity ownership and operation of commercial real estate and which operate under the REIT Act of 1960. To be included in the Index, a company must be both an equity owner and operator of commercial and/or residential real estate. Businesses excluded from the Index include: mortgage REITs, net-lease REITs, real estate finance companies, mortgage brokers and bankers, commercial and residential real estate brokers and real estate agents, home builders, large landowners and subdividers of unimproved land, hybrid REITs, and timber REITs, as well as companies that have more than 25% of their assets in direct mortgage investments. A company must have a minimum total market capitalization of at least $200 million at the time of its inclusion, and at least 75% of the company’s total revenue must be derived from the ownership and operation of real estate assets. The liquidity of the company’s stock must be commensurate with that of other institutionally held real estate securities. The Index is generally rebalanced quarterly, and returns are calculated on a buy and hold basis except as necessary to reflect the occasional occurrence of Index changes in the middle of the month. Each REIT in the Index is weighted by its float-adjusted market capitalization. That is, each security is weighted to reflect the attainable market performance of the security which reflects that portion of securities shares that are accessible to investors. The Index is priced daily and is a total return (price and income) benchmark. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 85 REITs.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser (as defined below). The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Sub-Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Sub-Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

REAL ESTATE SECTOR RISK:  The Fund will concentrate its investments in the real estate sector. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. Investing in real estate securities (which include REITs) may subject the Fund to risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate, such as decreases in real estate values, overbuilding, increased competition and other risks related to local or general economic conditions, increases in operating costs and property taxes, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, possible environmental liabilities, regulatory limitations on rent and fluctuations in rental income. Changes in interest rates may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in real estate securities. Certain real estate securities have a relatively small market capitalization, which may tend to increase the volatility of the market price of these securities. Real estate securities are dependent upon specialized management skills, have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of projects. Real estate securities are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers. In addition, a REIT could fail to qualify for favorable tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and could fail to maintain exemption from the registration requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 35.38% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -39.70% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF | SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.25%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.25%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 26

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

80

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

141

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 318

2002

rr_AnnualReturn2002

3.26%

^[2]

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

35.45%

^[2]

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

32.71%

^[2]

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

13.63%

^[2]

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

35.51%

^[2]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(17.69%)

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(38.94%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

28.52%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

27.83%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

9.16%

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

14.26%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

35.38%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(39.70%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.16%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(2.06%)

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

9.92%

SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.94%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(3.30%)

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

8.34%

SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.93%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(2.43%)

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

8.05%

SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF | DOW JONES U.S. SELECT REIT INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.37%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(2.04%)

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

10.12%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 14.26%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Transportation ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Transportation ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the transportation segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 25% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

25.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Transportation Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the transportation industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 39 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

TRANSPORTATION SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the transportation industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the transportation industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The transportation industry can be significantly affected by changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor relations, technology developments, exchange rates, insurance costs, industry competition and government regulation.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR RISK:  Stock prices for industrial companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation, world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Aerospace and defense companies, a component of the industrial sector, can be significantly affected by government spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. and foreign government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies which are typically under pressure from efforts to control the U.S. (and other) government budgets. Transportation stocks, a component of the industrial sector, are cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements which may result from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Transportation ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Transportation ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF

SPDR^® S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of medium capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “growth” characteristics.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.25%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.25%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF	26	80	141	318

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 33% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization growth sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks in the S&P MidCap 400 Index exhibiting the strongest growth characteristics based on: (i) sales growth; (ii) earnings change to price; and (iii) momentum. The selection universe for the S&P MidCap 400 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally between $1 billion and $4.4 billion at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 236 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:   The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:    While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

MID CAP RISK:   Mid-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of mid-size companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger or smaller companies.

GROWTH RISK:   The Fund emphasizes a “growth” style of investing. The market values of growth stocks may be more volatile than other types of investments. The prices of growth stocks tend to reflect future expectations, and when those expectations change or are not met, share prices generally fall. The returns on “growth” securities may or may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:   An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 22.24% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -27.02% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF	(1.07%)	4.80%	6.45%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(1.21%)	4.58%	6.19%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(0.61%)	4.04%	5.51%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF S&P MIDCAP 400 GROWTH INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(0.94%)	5.26%	5.83%	Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 13.98%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Leisure Time ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® LeisureTime ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P LeisureTime ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the leisure industry segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Leisure Time ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES	[2]	none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Leisure Time ETF	36	113

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P LeisureTime Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the leisure industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 64 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

LEISURE SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the leisure industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the leisure industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The leisure industry can be significantly affected by the performance of the overall economy, changing consumer tastes, intense competition, technological developments, and government regulation.

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY SECTOR RISK:  The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Also, companies in the consumer discretionary sector may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products and services in the marketplace.

RETAIL SECTOR RISK:  Retail and related industries can be significantly affected by the performance of the domestic and international economy, consumer confidence and spending, intense competition, changes in demographics, and changing consumer tastes and preferences.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of medium capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “growth” characteristics.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 33% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

33.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization growth sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks in the S&P MidCap 400 Index exhibiting the strongest growth characteristics based on: (i) sales growth; (ii) earnings change to price; and (iii) momentum. The selection universe for the S&P MidCap 400 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally between $1 billion and $4.4 billion at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 236 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:   The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:    While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

MID CAP RISK:   Mid-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of mid-size companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger or smaller companies.

GROWTH RISK:   The Fund emphasizes a “growth” style of investing. The market values of growth stocks may be more volatile than other types of investments. The prices of growth stocks tend to reflect future expectations, and when those expectations change or are not met, share prices generally fall. The returns on “growth” securities may or may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:   An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 22.24% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -27.02% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF | SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.25%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.25%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 26

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

80

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

141

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 318

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

11.32%

^[2]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

11.04%

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(41.55%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

55.37%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

26.70%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(1.07%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

13.98%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

22.24%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(27.02%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(1.07%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.80%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.45%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(1.21%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.58%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.19%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(0.61%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.04%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.51%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF | S&P MIDCAP 400 GROWTH INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(0.94%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.26%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.83%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 13.98%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Telecom ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Telecom ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the telecommunications segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 50% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

50.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the telecommunications industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 55 stocks.

Should the Index not contain the required minimum of 35 qualifying companies, it may contain members of the Communications Equipment sub-industry.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the telecommunications industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the telecommunications industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The telecommunications industry is subject to extensive government regulation. The costs of complying with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive required regulatory approvals or the enactment of new adverse regulatory requirements may adversely affect the business of the telecommunications companies. The telecommunications industry can also be significantly affected by intense competition, including competition with alternative technologies such as wireless communications, product compatibility, consumer preferences, rapid product obsolescence and research and development of new products.

Technological innovations may make the products and services of telecommunications companies obsolete. Other risks include uncertainties resulting from such companies’ diversification into new domestic and international businesses, as well as agreements by any such companies linking future rate increases to inflation or other factors not directly related to the actual operating profits of the enterprise.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Telecom ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Telecom ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Homebuilders ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the homebuilding segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 46% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

46.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Homebuilders Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the homebuilders industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 37 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

HOMEBUILDING SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the homebuilding industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the homebuilding industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies within the Index can be significantly affected by the national, regional and local real estate markets. This industry is also sensitive to interest rate fluctuations which can cause changes in the availability of mortgage capital and directly affect the purchasing power of potential homebuyers. The building industry can be significantly affected by changes in government spending, consumer confidence, demographic patterns and the level of new and existing home sales.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR RISK:  Stock prices for industrial companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation, world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Aerospace and defense companies, a component of the industrial sector, can be significantly affected by government spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. and foreign government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies which are typically under pressure from efforts to control the U.S. (and other) government budgets. Transportation stocks, a component of the industrial sector, are cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements which may result from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY SECTOR RISK:  The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Also, companies in the consumer discretionary sector may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products and services in the marketplace.

RETAIL SECTOR RISK:  Companies within the Index may include companies in the retail industry or companies that are closely tied to the retail industry. Retail and related industries can be significantly affected by the performance of the domestic and international economy, consumer confidence and spending, intense competition, changes in demographics, and changing consumer tastes and preferences.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 28.86% (Q4 2011)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -37.91% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(47.65%)

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(36.19%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

26.83%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

17.49%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(0.89%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

46.61%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2011

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

28.86%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(37.91%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(0.89%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(13.18%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(14.53%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(1.13%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(13.48%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(14.79%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(0.50%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(10.75%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(11.55%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF | S&P HOMEBUILDERS SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(0.61%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(13.23%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(14.54%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 46.61%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Equipment ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Health Care Equipment ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the health care equipment and supplies segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Equipment ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Equipment ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 42% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Health Care Equipment Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the health care equipment industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 58 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the health care equipment and supplies industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the health care equipment and supplies industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies in the health care industry are affected by rising costs of medical products, devices and services and the increased emphasis on the delivery of health care through outpatient services. The health care industry is highly competitive and can be significantly affected by extensive government regulation or government reimbursement for medical expenses. The equipment may be subject to extensive litigation based on malpractice claims, product liability claims or other litigation. Medical equipment manufacturers are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect their profitability. Many new health care products are subject to the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The process of obtaining FDA approval is often long and expensive.

HEALTH CARE SECTOR RISK:  Companies in the health care sector are subject to extensive government regulation and their profitability can be significantly affected by restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure (including price discounting), limited product lines and an increased emphasis on the delivery of healthcare through outpatient services. Companies in the health care sector are heavily dependent on obtaining and defending patents, which may be time consuming and costly, and the expiration of patents may also adversely affect the profitability of the companies. Health care companies are also subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. In addition, their products can become obsolete due to industry innovation, changes in technologies or other market developments. Many new products in the health care sector require significant research and development and may be subject to regulatory approvals, all of which may be time consuming and costly with no guarantee that any product will come to market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of small capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “growth” characteristics.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” reflect the Fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly through its ownership in other investment companies, such as business development companies (“BDCs”). BDC expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by the Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with fund operations. This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

37.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization growth sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks, including BDCs, in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index exhibiting the strongest growth characteristics based on: (i) sales growth; (ii) earnings change to price; and (iii) momentum. The selection universe for the S&P SmallCap 600 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally between $300 million and $1.4 billion at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 331 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

SMALL CAP RISK:  Small-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large- and mid-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of small companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger companies.

GROWTH RISK:  The Fund emphasizes a “growth” style of investing. The market values of growth stocks may be more volatile than other types of investments. The prices of growth stocks tend to reflect future expectations, and when those expectations change or are not met, share prices generally fall. The returns on “growth” securities may or may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 28.61% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -28.41% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF | SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.25%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

ACQUIRED FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.06%

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.31%

^[2]

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 32

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

100

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

174

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 393

2002

rr_AnnualReturn2002

(38.94%)

^[3]

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

48.05%

^[3]

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

15.18%

^[3]

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

8.73%

^[3]

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

13.37%

^[3]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.89%

^[3]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(41.00%)

^[3]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

46.84%

^[3]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

30.23%

^[3]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

3.49%

^[3]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

12.98%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

28.61%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(28.41%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.49%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.73%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

4.92%

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.33%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.56%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

4.82%

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.36%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.01%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

4.27%

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF | S&P SMALLCAP 600 GROWTH INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.62%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.81%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.42%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" are not included in the Fund's financial statements, which provide a clearer picture of a fund's actual operating costs.

[3] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 12.98%.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	SPDR SERIES TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Jun. 20, 2013
Document Creation Date	dei_DocumentCreationDate	Jun. 20, 2013

XML

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF

SPDR^® S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of small capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “growth” characteristics.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” reflect the Fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly through its ownership in other investment companies, such as business development companies (“BDCs”). BDC expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by the Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with fund operations. This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.25%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
ACQUIRED FUND FEES AND EXPENSES	[2]	0.06%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES	[2]	0.31%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	32	100	174	393

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization growth sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks, including BDCs, in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index exhibiting the strongest growth characteristics based on: (i) sales growth; (ii) earnings change to price; and (iii) momentum. The selection universe for the S&P SmallCap 600 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally between $300 million and $1.4 billion at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 331 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

SMALL CAP RISK:  Small-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large- and mid-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of small companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger companies.

GROWTH RISK:  The Fund emphasizes a “growth” style of investing. The market values of growth stocks may be more volatile than other types of investments. The prices of growth stocks tend to reflect future expectations, and when those expectations change or are not met, share prices generally fall. The returns on “growth” securities may or may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 28.61% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -28.41% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	TEN YEARS
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	3.49%	4.73%	4.92%
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	3.33%	4.56%	4.82%
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	2.36%	4.01%	4.27%
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF S&P SMALLCAP 600 GROWTH INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	3.62%	3.81%	7.42%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" are not included in the Fund's financial statements, which provide a clearer picture of a fund's actual operating costs.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 12.98%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Pharmaceuticals ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the pharmaceuticals segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

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FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

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This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

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ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

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The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

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31.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

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EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

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This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

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THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

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In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Pharmaceuticals Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the pharmaceuticals industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 31 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

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PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

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As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:   While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

PHARMACEUTICALS SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the pharmaceuticals industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the pharmaceuticals industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies in the pharmaceutical industry are heavily dependent on patent protection. The expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of the companies. Pharmaceutical companies are also subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and other similar claims. Many new products are subject to approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The process of obtaining FDA approval can be long and costly and approved products are susceptible to obsolescence. Pharmaceutical companies are also subject to heavy competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting.

HEALTH CARE SECTOR RISK:   Companies in the health care sector are subject to extensive government regulation and their profitability can be significantly affected by restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure (including price discounting), limited product lines and an increased emphasis on the delivery of healthcare through outpatient services. Companies in the health care sector are heavily dependent on obtaining and defending patents, which may be time consuming and costly, and the expiration of patents may also adversely affect the profitability of the companies. Health care companies are also subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. In addition, their products can become obsolete due to industry innovation, changes in technologies or other market developments. Many new products in the health care sector require significant research and development and may be subject to regulatory approvals, all of which may be time consuming and costly with no guarantee that any product will come to market.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

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As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

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NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

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FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

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The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

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The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

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http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

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The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

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ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

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Highest Quarterly Return: 17.74% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -10.04% (Q1 2009)

Performance Table Heading

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AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

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The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

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Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

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The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

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The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF

Risk/Return:

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MANAGEMENT FEES

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0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

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none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

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none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

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0.35%

YEAR 1

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$ 36

YEAR 3

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113

YEAR 5

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197

YEAR 10

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$ 443

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(1.38%)

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(9.18%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

28.06%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

22.32%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

12.75%

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

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Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

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Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

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18.07%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

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Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

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Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

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17.74%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

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Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

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Mar. 31, 2009

Lowest Quarterly Return

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(10.04%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

12.75%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

9.60%

SINCE INCEPTION

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10.63%

INCEPTION DATE

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Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF

Risk/Return:

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ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

12.54%

FIVE YEARS

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9.37%

SINCE INCEPTION

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10.40%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF

Risk/Return:

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ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.53%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

8.29%

SINCE INCEPTION

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9.23%

INCEPTION DATE

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Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Pharmaceuticals ETF | S&P PHARMACEUTICALS SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

12.85%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

9.77%

SINCE INCEPTION

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10.82%

INCEPTION DATE

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Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 18.07%.

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SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF

SPDR^® S&P 500 Growth ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P 500 Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of large capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “growth” characteristics.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.20%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.20%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF	20	64	113	255

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 21% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P 500 Growth Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization growth sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 Index exhibiting the strongest growth characteristics based on: (i) sales growth; (ii) earnings change to price; and (iii) momentum. The selection universe for the S&P 500 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally of $4.0 billion or more at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 280 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

LARGE CAP RISK:  Returns on investments in stocks of large U.S. companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of smaller and mid-sized companies.

GROWTH RISK:  The Fund emphasizes a “growth” style of investing. The market values of growth stocks may be more volatile than other types of investments. The prices of growth stocks tend to reflect future expectations, and when those expectations change or are not met, share prices generally fall. The returns on “growth” securities may or may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 16.35% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -23.11% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P 500 Growth Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	TEN YEARS
SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF	4.43%	2.90%	1.84%
SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	4.15%	2.73%	1.69%
SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	3.20%	2.46%	1.55%
SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF S&P 500 GROWTH INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	4.65%	2.38%	2.13%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 16.79%.

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Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

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Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

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Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Value Tilt ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® 1500 Value Tilt ETF

Objective [Heading]

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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of U.S. equity securities exhibiting “value” characteristics.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]

rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates

“Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P 1500 Low Valuation Tilt Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund, generally expects the Fund to hold less than the total number of securities in the Index, but reserves the right to hold as many securities as it believes necessary to achieve the Fund’s investment objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities, including business development companies, comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by the Adviser).

The Index applies an alternative weighting methodology to the S&P Composite 1500 Index so that stocks with relatively low valuations (i.e., relatively “cheap”) are overweight relative to the S&P Composite 1500 Index and stocks with relatively high valuations (i.e., relatively “rich”) are underweight. The S&P Composite 1500 Index, one of the leading indices of the U.S. equity market, is a capitalization-weighted combination of the large-cap S&P 500 Index, the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. In constructing the Index, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“Index Provider”) estimates the valuation of each stock in the S&P Composite 1500 Index based on the ratio of its price to its level of earnings, cash flow, sales, book value, and dividends. S&P weights this data from the last five calendar years to create a composite valuation measure, and ranks all 1,500 index constituents in order of composite valuation. S&P then forms 20 sub-portfolios of approximately equal market capitalization, grouped by composite valuations. S&P derives a sub-portfolio allocation factor using each sub-portfolio’s composite valuation, so that a sub-portfolio with relatively low valuation will have a higher allocation factor than a sub-portfolio with relatively high valuation. The weight of each stock in the Index is proportionate to its market capitalization and to its sub-portfolio allocation factor. The Index is rebalanced annually after the close of business on the third Friday of April. As of September 30, 2012, there were approximately 1,467 securities in the Index.

The Index is sponsored by the Index Provider which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

VALUE RISK:  The Fund employs a “value” style of investing that emphasizes undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that the valuations never improve or that the returns on “value” equity securities are less than returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

UNCONSTRAINED SECTOR RISK:  The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets within one or more economic sectors or industries, which may change from period to period. To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in one or more sectors, market or economic factors impacting those sectors could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. Additionally, the Fund’s performance may be more volatile when the Fund’s investments are less diversified across sectors.

TURNOVER RISK:  The Fund may have higher portfolio turnover than a fund that seeks to track a traditionally weighted index. A high rate of portfolio turnover could produce higher trading costs and taxable distributions, which would detract from the Fund’s performance.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Value Tilt ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Value Tilt ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

$ 113

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

XML

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF

FUND SUMMARIES
SPDR^® Dow Jones Total Market ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR Dow Jones Total Market ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks a broad universe of exchange traded U.S. equity securities.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses	SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES	0.20%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	none
OTHER EXPENSES	none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES	0.20%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF	20	64	113	255

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 3% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund, generally expects the Fund to hold less than the total number of securities in the Index, but reserves the right to hold as many securities as it believes necessary to achieve the Fund’s investment objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by the Adviser).

The Index is designed to represent the performance of all U.S. equity securities, including business development companies, with readily available price data. The Index tracks all the U.S. common stocks regularly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Amex and the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that reflects shares of securities actually available to investors in the marketplace. To be included in the Index, an issue generally must be all of the following: (i) a company’s primary equity issue (common stock, REIT or limited partnership); and (ii) the security of a U.S. company. A semiannual composition review of the Index is announced and implemented in March and September. Shares and float factors of the Index are updated on a quarterly basis. Except to account for stock splits and reverse splits, shares and float factors will not be adjusted for bulletin board, NYSE Arca and pink sheet stocks until they are returned to exchange listings. Companies that are re-listed as of the close of trading on the second Friday of each month will have their shares and float adjustments made at the same time as the monthly index additions and deletions, after the close of trading on the third Friday of each month. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 3,640 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (year ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 16.30% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -22.49% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to June 14, 2005, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index. Performance of the Fund prior to June 14, 2005 is therefore based on the Fund’s investment strategy to track the prior index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	TEN YEARS
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF	1.01%	0.17%	3.12%
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	0.72%	(0.14%)	2.81%
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	1.00%	0.09%	2.62%
SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF DOW JONES U.S. TOTAL STOCK MARKET INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	1.08%	0.24%	3.86%

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 15.89%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P Bank ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Bank ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded national money centers and leading regional banks.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 55% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

55.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Banks Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the banks industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $2 billion with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 100%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $1 biillion or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is a modified equal weighted index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 41 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

BANKING SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the banking sector, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the banking sector versus a fund that was more diversified. The performance of bank stocks may be affected by extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and the interest rates and fees they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers can negatively impact the sector. Banks may also be subject to severe price competition. The regional banking industry is highly competitive and failure to maintain or increase market share may result in lost market share.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK:  Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Numerous financial services companies have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial services companies to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities (which include REITS). Declining real estate values could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 30.43% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -35.84% (Q1 2009)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Banks Select Industry Index from the KBW Bank Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Banks Select Industry Index from the KBW Bank Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF | SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

16.50%

^[2]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(21.81%)

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(47.39%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

(1.44%)

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

22.93%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(22.16%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

20.09%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

30.43%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Mar. 31, 2009

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(35.84%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(22.16%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(17.25%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(11.58%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(22.39%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(17.73%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(12.10%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(14.13%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(13.65%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(9.23%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF | S&P BANKS SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

^[3]

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

^[3]

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

^[3]

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 12, 2011

SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF | KBW BANK INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(23.17%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(17.51%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(11.74%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 20.09%.

[3] The S&P Banks Select Industry Index inception date is September 12, 2011.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Computer Hardware ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Computer Hardware ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Computer Hardware ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the computer hardware segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]

rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates

“Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Computer Hardware Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the computer hardware industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 35 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

COMPUTER HARDWARE SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the computer hardware industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the computer hardware industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The Fund will concentrate in segments of the computer industry. The computer industry can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, aggressive pricing, technological developments, changing domestic demand, the ability to attract and retain skilled employees and availability and price of components. The market for products produced by computer companies is characterized by rapidly changing technology, rapid product obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. The success of industry participants depends in substantial part on the timely and successful introduction of new products. An unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting an issuer’s products or in the market for products based on a particular technology could have a material adverse effect on a participant’s operating results.

Many computer companies rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect their proprietary rights in their products and technologies. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by computer companies to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to such companies’ technology.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Computer Hardware ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Computer Hardware ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

$ 113

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Volatility Tilt ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® 1500 Volatility Tilt ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P 1500 Volatility Tilt ETF (the "Fund") seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of U.S. equity securities based on low price volatility.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]

rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates

“Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P 1500 Reduced Volatility Tilt Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund, generally expects the Fund to hold less than the total number of securities in the Index, but reserves the right to hold as many securities as it believes necessary to achieve the Fund’s investment objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities, including business development companies, comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by the Adviser).

The Index applies an alternative weighting methodology to the S&P Composite 1500 Index so that stocks with relatively low volatility are overweight relative to the S&P Composite 1500 Index and stocks with relatively high volatility are underweight. The S&P 1500 Index, one of the leading indices of the U.S. equity market, is a capitalization-weighted combination of the large-cap S&P 500 Index, the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. In constructing the Index, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC estimates the volatility of each stock in the S&P Composite 1500 Index based on its monthly price return variance over the past five years, and ranks all 1,500 index constituents in order of volatility. S&P then forms 20 sub-portfolios of approximately equal market capitalization, grouped by volatility. S&P derives a sub-portfolio allocation factor using the inverse of each sub-portfolio’s volatility, so that a sub-portfolio with relatively low volatility will have a higher allocation factor than a sub-portfolio with relatively high volatility. The weight of each stock in the Index is proportionate to its market capitalization and to its sub-portfolio allocation factor. The Index is rebalanced annually after the close of business on the third Friday of April. As of September 30, 2012, there were approximately 1,500 securities in the Index.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

UNCONSTRAINED SECTOR RISK:  The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets within one or more economic sectors or industries, which may change from period to period. To the extent the Fund is concentrated in one or more sectors, market or economic factors impacting those sectors could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. Additionally, the Fund’s performance may be more volatile when the Fund’s investments are less diversified across sectors.

TURNOVER RISK:  The Fund may have higher portfolio turnover than a fund that seeks to track a traditionally weighted index. A high rate of portfolio turnover could produce higher trading costs and taxable distributions, which would detract from the Fund’s performance.

VOLATILITY RISK:  The Fund, in seeking to track an Index containing lower volatility stocks, may underperform other types of investments, particularly during periods of high growth.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Volatility Tilt ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Volatility Tilt ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

$ 113

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Metals & Mining ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the metals and mining segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 32% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the metals and mining industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 41 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

METALS AND MINING SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the metals and mining industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the metals and mining industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The metals and mining industry can be significantly affected by events relating to international political and economic developments, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, commodity prices, and tax and other government regulations.

MATERIALS SECTOR RISK:  Many materials companies are significantly affected by the level and volatility of commodity prices, exchange rates, import controls, worldwide competition, environmental policies and consumer demand. At times, worldwide production of industrial materials has exceeded demand as a result of over-building or economic downturns, leading to poor investment returns or losses. Other risks may include liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. The basic industries sector may also be affected by economic cycles, technical progress, labor relations, and government regulations.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 47.81% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -49.76% (Q3 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF	(28.20%)	0.86%	3.17%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(28.30%)	0.70%	3.02%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(18.20%)	0.71%	2.70%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF S&P METALS & MINING SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(28.08%)	1.10%	3.42%	Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was -10.37%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Homebuilders ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the homebuilding segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 46% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Homebuilders Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the homebuilders industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 37 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

HOMEBUILDING SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the homebuilding industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the homebuilding industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies within the Index can be significantly affected by the national, regional and local real estate markets. This industry is also sensitive to interest rate fluctuations which can cause changes in the availability of mortgage capital and directly affect the purchasing power of potential homebuyers. The building industry can be significantly affected by changes in government spending, consumer confidence, demographic patterns and the level of new and existing home sales.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR RISK:  Stock prices for industrial companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation, world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Aerospace and defense companies, a component of the industrial sector, can be significantly affected by government spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. and foreign government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies which are typically under pressure from efforts to control the U.S. (and other) government budgets. Transportation stocks, a component of the industrial sector, are cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements which may result from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY SECTOR RISK:  The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Also, companies in the consumer discretionary sector may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products and services in the marketplace.

RETAIL SECTOR RISK:  Companies within the Index may include companies in the retail industry or companies that are closely tied to the retail industry. Retail and related industries can be significantly affected by the performance of the domestic and international economy, consumer confidence and spending, intense competition, changes in demographics, and changing consumer tastes and preferences.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 28.86% (Q4 2011)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -37.91% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF	(0.89%)	(13.18%)	(14.53%)	Jan. 31, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(1.13%)	(13.48%)	(14.79%)	Jan. 31, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(0.50%)	(10.75%)	(11.55%)	Jan. 31, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Homebuilders ETF S&P HOMEBUILDERS SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(0.61%)	(13.23%)	(14.54%)	Jan. 31, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 46.61%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P Regional Banking ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the regional banking segment of the U.S. banking industry.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 44% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

44.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the regional banks industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is a modified equal weighted index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 76 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

BANKING SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the banking sector, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the banking sector versus a fund that was more diversified. The performance of bank stocks may be affected by extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and the interest rates and fees they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers can negatively impact the sector. Banks may also be subject to severe price competition. The regional banking industry is highly competitive and failure to maintain or increase market share may result in lost market share.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK:  Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Numerous financial services companies have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial services companies to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities (which include REITS). Declining real estate values could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 34.92% (Q3 2008)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -33.24% (Q1 2009)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index from the KBW Regional Banking Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index from the KBW Regional Banking Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF | SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(22.01%)

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(18.33%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

(22.00%)

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

20.04%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(5.64%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

18.72%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2008

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

34.92%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Mar. 31, 2009

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(33.24%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(5.64%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(10.86%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(8.92%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(6.00%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(11.52%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(9.57%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(3.43%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(9.08%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(7.50%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF | S&P REGIONAL BANKS SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

^[3]

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

^[3]

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

^[3]

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 12, 2011

SPDR(R) S&P Regional Banking(SM) ETF | KBW REGIONAL BANKING INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(5.14%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(10.78%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(8.69%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 18.72%.

[3] The S&P Regional Bank Select Industry Index inception date is September 12, 2011.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF

SPDR^® S&P 600 Small Cap ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of small capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” reflect the Fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly through its ownership in other investment companies, such as business development companies (“BDCs”). BDC expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by the Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with fund operations. This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.20%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
ACQUIRED FUND FEES AND EXPENSES	[2]	0.03%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES	[2]	0.23%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	24	74	130	293

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 13% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector in the U.S. equity market. The selection universe for the Index includes all U.S. common equities, including BDCs, listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally between $300 million and $1.4 billion at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted and changes to the Index are made on an as-needed basis. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 603 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

SMALL CAP RISK:  Small-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large- and mid-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of small companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger companies.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 26.04% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -26.84% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	0.92%	2.91%	5.55%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	0.69%	2.57%	5.17%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	0.72%	2.34%	4.65%	Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap ETF S&P SMALLCAP 600 INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	1.02%	1.94%	4.17%	Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" are not included in the Fund's financial statements, which provide a clearer picture of a fund's actual operating costs.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 13.68%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the oil and gas exploration and production segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 42% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

42.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the oil and gas exploration and production industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 72 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:   The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:   While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

OIL AND GAS SECTOR RISK:   The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the oil and gas exploration and production industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the oil and gas exploration and production industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies in the oil and gas sector develop and produce crude oil and natural gas and provide drilling and other energy resources production and distribution related services. Stock prices for these types of companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil and gas, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Correspondingly, securities of companies in the energy field are subject to swift price and supply fluctuations caused by events relating to international politics, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. Weak demand for the companies’ products or services or for energy products and services in general, as well as negative developments in these other areas, would adversely impact the Fund’s performance. Oil and gas exploration and production can be significantly affected by natural disasters as well as changes in exchange rates, interest rates, government regulation, world events and economic conditions. These companies may be at risk for environmental damage claims.

ENERGY SECTOR RISK:  Energy companies develop and produce oil, gas and consumable fuels and provide drilling and other energy resources production and distribution related services. Stock prices for these types of companies are affected by supply and demand, exploration and production spending, world events and economic conditions, swift price and supply fluctuations, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. Weak demand for energy companies’ products or services or for energy products and services in general, as well as negative developments in these other areas, including natural disasters or terrorist attacks, would adversely impact the Fund’s performance.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:   An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 30.52% (Q2 2008)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -35.77% (Q3 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

36.90%

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(42.75%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

39.94%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

28.54%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

0.91%

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

6.49%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2008

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

30.52%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(35.77%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.91%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

7.31%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.95%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.67%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

7.19%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.84%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.74%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

6.30%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

7.77%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF | S&P OIL & GAS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.05%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

7.58%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

9.22%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 6.49%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® Dow Jones Large Cap ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR Dow Jones Large Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of large capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 4% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

4.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Total Stock Market Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that represents the large-cap portion of the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index (“Total Stock Market Index”). The Total Stock Market Index tracks all the U.S. common stocks regularly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Amex and the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Index includes the components of the Total Stock Market Index ranked approximately 1-750 by full market capitalization. The composition of the Index is assigned based on the semiannual review of the Total Stock Market Index. New issues are added to the Index on a monthly basis as new issues are added to the Total Stock Market Index and fall within the large cap portion. An issue is removed as soon as prudently possible if it fails to meet the inclusion requirement of the Total Stock Market Index. Shares and float factors of the Index are updated on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 749 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

LARGE CAP RISK:  Returns on investments in stocks of large U.S. companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of smaller and mid-sized companies.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

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FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

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ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

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Highest Quarterly Return: 15.57% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -22.14% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

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AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF | SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.20%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.20%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 20

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

64

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

113

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 255

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

15.38%

^[2]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

6.21%

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(36.90%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

26.89%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

15.84%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

1.60%

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

16.09%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

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Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

15.57%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

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Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(22.14%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.60%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.02%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.83%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.28%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.36%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.45%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.37%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.09%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.33%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Large Cap ETF | DOW JONES U.S. LARGE-CAP TOTAL STOCK MARKET INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.71%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.08%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.91%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 16.09%.

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SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Retail ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Retail ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the retail segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 39% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Retail Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the retail industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 96 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

RETAIL SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the retail industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the retail industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Retail and related industries can be significantly affected by the performance of the domestic and international economy, consumer confidence and spending, intense competition, changes in demographics, and changing consumer tastes and preferences.

CONSUMER STAPLES SECTOR RISK:  Consumer staples companies are subject to government regulation affecting their products which may negatively impact such companies’ performance. For instance, government regulations may affect the permissibility of using various food additives and production methods of companies that make food products, which could affect company profitability. Tobacco companies may be adversely affected by the adoption of proposed legislation and/or by litigation. Also, the success of food, beverage, household and personal products companies may be strongly affected by consumer interest, marketing campaigns and other factors affecting supply and demand.

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY SECTOR RISK:  The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Also, companies in the consumer discretionary sector may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products and services in the marketplace.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 23.68% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -32.30% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF	9.68%	6.52%	7.89%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	9.39%	6.15%	7.55%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	6.37%	5.41%	6.65%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Retail ETF S&P RETAIL SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	9.89%	6.84%	8.22%	Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 20.36%.

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SPDR(R) S&P(R) Computer Hardware ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Computer Hardware ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Computer Hardware ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the computer hardware segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Computer Hardware ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES	[2]	none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Computer Hardware ETF	36	113

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Computer Hardware Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the computer hardware industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 35 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

COMPUTER HARDWARE SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the computer hardware industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the computer hardware industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The Fund will concentrate in segments of the computer industry. The computer industry can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, aggressive pricing, technological developments, changing domestic demand, the ability to attract and retain skilled employees and availability and price of components. The market for products produced by computer companies is characterized by rapidly changing technology, rapid product obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. The success of industry participants depends in substantial part on the timely and successful introduction of new products. An unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting an issuer’s products or in the market for products based on a particular technology could have a material adverse effect on a participant’s operating results.

Many computer companies rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect their proprietary rights in their products and technologies. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by computer companies to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to such companies’ technology.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

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SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF

SPDR^® Global Dow ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR Global Dow ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of multinational blue-chip issuers.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.50%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.50%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF	51	160	280	628

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 11% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of The Global Dow (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is made up of 150 constituents from around the world selected by an Averages Committee comprised of the managing editor of the Wall Street Journal, the head of Dow Jones Indexes research and the head of CME Group research. The 150 companies are selected not just based on size and reputation, but also on their promise of future growth. The Index has been designed to cover both developed and emerging countries. The Index is equal weighted and will be reset to equal weights annually each September. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 150 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK:  Returns on investments in foreign securities could be more volatile than, or trail the returns on, investments in U.S. securities. Investments in securities issued by entities based outside the U.S. pose distinct risks since political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. Further, such entities and/or their securities may also be affected by currency controls; different accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and legal standards and practices; expropriation; changes in tax policy; greater market volatility; differing securities market structures; higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. Securities traded on foreign markets may be less liquid (harder to sell) than securities traded domestically. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in developing or emerging countries.

EMERGING MARKETS RISK:  Investment in emerging markets subjects the Fund to a greater risk of loss than investments in a developed market. This is due to, among other things, greater market volatility, lower trading volume, political and economic instability, high levels of inflation, deflation or currency devaluation, greater risk of market shut down, and more governmental limitations on foreign investment policy than those typically found in a developed market. In addition, the financial stability of issuers (including governments) in emerging market countries may be more precarious than in other countries. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility in a Fund’s investments in emerging market countries, which may be magnified by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. Settlement practices for transactions in foreign markets may differ from those in U.S. markets. Such differences include delays beyond periods customary in the United States and practices, such as delivery of securities prior to receipt of payment, which increase the likelihood of a “failed settlement.” Failed settlements can result in losses to the Fund. For these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered speculative.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 15.94% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -19.80% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective May 2, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to The Global Dow from the Dow Jones Global Titans 50 Index U.S. Close. The Fund’s performance prior to May 1, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR		FIVE YEARS		TEN YEARS		INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF	(11.58%)		(5.49%)		(0.46%)
SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(11.95%)		(5.87%)		(0.84%)
SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(7.11%)		(4.56%)		(0.41%)
SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF THE GLOBAL DOW (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(11.70%)	[1]		[1]		[1]	Nov. 09, 2008
SPDR(R) Global Dow ETF DOW JONES GLOBAL TITANS 50 INDEX U.S. CLOSE (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.70%		(3.04%)		1.10%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 8.86%.

[1] The Global Dow inception date is November 9, 2008.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P Insurance ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Insurance ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded companies in the insurance industry.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 62% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

62.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Insurance Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the insurance industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $2 billion with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $1 billion or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is a modified equal weighted index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 44 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK: The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK: While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

INSURANCE SECTOR RISK: The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the insurance sector, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the insurance sector versus a fund that was more diversified. Insurance companies’ profits are affected by many factors, including interest rate movements, the imposition of premium rate caps, competition and pressure to compete globally. Certain types of insurance companies may also be affected by weather catastrophes and other disasters and mortality rates. In addition, although the industry is currently subject to extensive regulation, companies in this industry may be adversely affected by increased governmental regulations or tax law changes in the future.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK: Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Numerous financial services companies have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial services companies to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities (which include REITS). Declining real estate values could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK: An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK: The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK: The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 36.67% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -28.64% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Insurance Select Industry Index from the KBW Insurance Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Insurance Select Industry Index from the KBW Insurance Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF | SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

10.19%

^[2]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(5.81%)

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(46.80%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

28.47%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

26.10%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(12.17%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

14.98%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

36.67%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(28.64%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(12.17%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(6.54%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(3.70%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(12.43%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(6.85%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(4.00%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(7.66%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(5.49%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(3.13%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF | S&P INSURANCE SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

^[3]

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

^[3]

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

^[3]

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 12, 2011

SPDR(R) S&P Insurance ETF | KBW INSURANCE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(12.31%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(6.33%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(3.46%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 14.98%.

[3] The S&P Insurance Select Industry Index inception date is September 12, 2011.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Metals & Mining ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the metals and mining segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 32% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

32.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the metals and mining industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 41 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

METALS AND MINING SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the metals and mining industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the metals and mining industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The metals and mining industry can be significantly affected by events relating to international political and economic developments, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, commodity prices, and tax and other government regulations.

MATERIALS SECTOR RISK:  Many materials companies are significantly affected by the level and volatility of commodity prices, exchange rates, import controls, worldwide competition, environmental policies and consumer demand. At times, worldwide production of industrial materials has exceeded demand as a result of over-building or economic downturns, leading to poor investment returns or losses. Other risks may include liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. The basic industries sector may also be affected by economic cycles, technical progress, labor relations, and government regulations.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK: The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

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FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

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ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 47.81% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -49.76% (Q3 2008)

Performance Table Heading

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AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

42.58%

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(59.53%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

87.93%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

34.08%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(28.20%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

(10.37%)

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

47.81%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(49.76%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(28.20%)

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.86%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.17%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(28.30%)

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.70%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.02%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(18.20%)

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.71%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.70%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Metals & Mining ETF | S&P METALS & MINING SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(28.08%)

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.10%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.42%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was -10.37%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF

SPDR^® S&P Bank ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Bank ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded national money centers and leading regional banks.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 55% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Banks Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the banks industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $2 billion with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 100%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $1 biillion or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is a modified equal weighted index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 41 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

BANKING SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the banking sector, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the banking sector versus a fund that was more diversified. The performance of bank stocks may be affected by extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and the interest rates and fees they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers can negatively impact the sector. Banks may also be subject to severe price competition. The regional banking industry is highly competitive and failure to maintain or increase market share may result in lost market share.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK:  Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Numerous financial services companies have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial services companies to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities (which include REITS). Declining real estate values could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 30.43% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -35.84% (Q1 2009)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Banks Select Industry Index from the KBW Bank Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR		FIVE YEARS		SINCE INCEPTION		INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF	(22.16%)		(17.25%)		(11.58%)		Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(22.39%)		(17.73%)		(12.10%)		Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(14.13%)		(13.65%)		(9.23%)		Nov. 08, 2005
SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF S&P BANKS SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)		[1]		[1]		[1]	Sep. 12, 2011
SPDR(R) S&P Bank ETF KBW BANK INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(23.17%)		(17.51%)		(11.74%)		Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 20.09%.

[1] The S&P Banks Select Industry Index inception date is September 12, 2011.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

FUND SUMMARIES
SPDR^® Dow Jones Total Market ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR Dow Jones Total Market ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks a broad universe of exchange traded U.S. equity securities.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 3% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

3.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund, generally expects the Fund to hold less than the total number of securities in the Index, but reserves the right to hold as many securities as it believes necessary to achieve the Fund’s investment objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by the Adviser).

The Index is designed to represent the performance of all U.S. equity securities, including business development companies, with readily available price data. The Index tracks all the U.S. common stocks regularly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Amex and the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that reflects shares of securities actually available to investors in the marketplace. To be included in the Index, an issue generally must be all of the following: (i) a company’s primary equity issue (common stock, REIT or limited partnership); and (ii) the security of a U.S. company. A semiannual composition review of the Index is announced and implemented in March and September. Shares and float factors of the Index are updated on a quarterly basis. Except to account for stock splits and reverse splits, shares and float factors will not be adjusted for bulletin board, NYSE Arca and pink sheet stocks until they are returned to exchange listings. Companies that are re-listed as of the close of trading on the second Friday of each month will have their shares and float adjustments made at the same time as the monthly index additions and deletions, after the close of trading on the third Friday of each month. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 3,640 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (year ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 16.30% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -22.49% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Prior to June 14, 2005, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index. Performance of the Fund prior to June 14, 2005 is therefore based on the Fund’s investment strategy to track the prior index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to June 14, 2005, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index. Performance of the Fund prior to June 14, 2005 is therefore based on the Fund’s investment strategy to track the prior index.

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF | SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.20%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.20%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 20

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

64

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

113

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 255

2002

rr_AnnualReturn2002

(21.21%)

^[1]

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

26.63%

^[1]

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

10.01%

^[1]

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

6.91%

^[1]

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

14.91%

^[1]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

5.44%

^[1]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(36.79%)

^[1]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

28.08%

^[1]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

16.98%

^[1]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

1.01%

^[1]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

15.89%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

16.30%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(22.49%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.01%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.17%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.12%

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.72%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.14%)

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

2.81%

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.00%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.09%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

2.62%

SPDR(R) Dow Jones Total Market ETF | DOW JONES U.S. TOTAL STOCK MARKET INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.08%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.24%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.86%

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 15.89%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Services ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Health Care Services ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the health care providers and services segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the period from the commencement of the Fund’s operations (September 28, 2011) to the end of the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 25% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

25.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Health Care Services Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the health care services industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 54 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

HEALTH CARE SERVICES SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the health care providers and services industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the health care providers and services industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies in the health care industry are affected by rising costs of medical products, devices and services and the increased emphasis on the delivery of health care through outpatient services. The health care industry is highly competitive and can be significantly affected by extensive government regulation or government reimbursement for medical expenses. The equipment may be subject to extensive litigation based on malpractice claims, product liability claims or other litigation. Medical equipment manufacturers are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect their profitability. Many new health care products are subject to the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The process of obtaining FDA approval is often long and expensive.

HEALTH CARE SECTOR RISK:  Companies in the health care sector are subject to extensive government regulation and their profitability can be significantly affected by restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure (including price discounting), limited product lines and an increased emphasis on the delivery of healthcare through outpatient services. Companies in the health care sector are heavily dependent on obtaining and defending patents, which may be time consuming and costly, and the expiration of patents may also adversely affect the profitability of the companies. Health care companies are also subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. In addition, their products can become obsolete due to industry innovation, changes in technologies or other market developments. Many new products in the health care sector require significant research and development and may be subject to regulatory approvals, all of which may be time consuming and costly with no guarantee that any product will come to market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Services ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Health Care Services ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

XML

SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF

SPDR^® Morgan Stanley Technology ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR Morgan Stanley Technology ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded electronics-based technology companies.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.50%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.50%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF	51	160	280	628

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 21% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the Morgan Stanley Technology Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is composed purely of electronics-based technology companies. The Index was the first listed broad-market technology barometer dedicated exclusively to the electronics-based technology industry. The Index comprises companies drawn from the following technology sub-sectors: computer services; design software; server software, PC software and new media; networking and telecom equipment; server hardware, PC hardware and peripherals; specialized systems; and semiconductors. The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) calculates the Index. Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated acts as consultant to the NYSE in connection with NYSE’s maintenance of the Index. The Index is equal-dollar-weighted to ensure that each of its component securities is represented in approximate equal dollar value. To ensure that each component stock continues to represent approximate equal market value in the Index, adjustments, if necessary, are made annually after the close of trading on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 35 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the technology industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the technology industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY RISK:  The electronics industry can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, aggressive pricing, technological developments, changing domestic demand, the ability to attract and retain skilled employees and availability and price of components. The market for products is characterized by rapidly changing technology, rapid product obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. The success of industry participants depends in substantial part on the timely and successful introduction of new products. An unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting an issuer’s products or in the market for products based on a particular technology could have a material adverse effect on a participant’s operating results. Companies in the electronics industry may rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect their proprietary rights in their products and technologies. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by such companies to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to such companies’ technology.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 27.51% (Q2 2003)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -28.23% (Q3 2002)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	TEN YEARS
SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF	(10.60%)	1.20%	1.69%
SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(10.70%)	1.13%	1.65%
SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(6.74%)	1.02%	1.45%
SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF MORGAN STANLEY TECHNOLOGY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(10.28%)	1.64%	2.17%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 17.01%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Value Tilt ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® 1500 Value Tilt ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of U.S. equity securities exhibiting “value” characteristics.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Value Tilt ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES	[2]	none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3
SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Value Tilt ETF	36	113

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P 1500 Low Valuation Tilt Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund, generally expects the Fund to hold less than the total number of securities in the Index, but reserves the right to hold as many securities as it believes necessary to achieve the Fund’s investment objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities, including business development companies, comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by the Adviser).

The Index applies an alternative weighting methodology to the S&P Composite 1500 Index so that stocks with relatively low valuations (i.e., relatively “cheap”) are overweight relative to the S&P Composite 1500 Index and stocks with relatively high valuations (i.e., relatively “rich”) are underweight. The S&P Composite 1500 Index, one of the leading indices of the U.S. equity market, is a capitalization-weighted combination of the large-cap S&P 500 Index, the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. In constructing the Index, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“Index Provider”) estimates the valuation of each stock in the S&P Composite 1500 Index based on the ratio of its price to its level of earnings, cash flow, sales, book value, and dividends. S&P weights this data from the last five calendar years to create a composite valuation measure, and ranks all 1,500 index constituents in order of composite valuation. S&P then forms 20 sub-portfolios of approximately equal market capitalization, grouped by composite valuations. S&P derives a sub-portfolio allocation factor using each sub-portfolio’s composite valuation, so that a sub-portfolio with relatively low valuation will have a higher allocation factor than a sub-portfolio with relatively high valuation. The weight of each stock in the Index is proportionate to its market capitalization and to its sub-portfolio allocation factor. The Index is rebalanced annually after the close of business on the third Friday of April. As of September 30, 2012, there were approximately 1,467 securities in the Index.

The Index is sponsored by the Index Provider which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

VALUE RISK:  The Fund employs a “value” style of investing that emphasizes undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that the valuations never improve or that the returns on “value” equity securities are less than returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

UNCONSTRAINED SECTOR RISK:  The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets within one or more economic sectors or industries, which may change from period to period. To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in one or more sectors, market or economic factors impacting those sectors could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. Additionally, the Fund’s performance may be more volatile when the Fund’s investments are less diversified across sectors.

TURNOVER RISK:  The Fund may have higher portfolio turnover than a fund that seeks to track a traditionally weighted index. A high rate of portfolio turnover could produce higher trading costs and taxable distributions, which would detract from the Fund’s performance.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

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Value

Risk/Return:

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Registrant Name

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SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

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Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF

Risk/Return:

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Risk/Return [Heading]

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SPDR^® S&P^® 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF

Objective [Heading]

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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

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The SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of U.S. equity securities exhibiting price momentum.

Expense [Heading]

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FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

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This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

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ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

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The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]

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“Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

Expense Example [Heading]

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EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

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This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

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THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

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In seeking to track the performance of the S&P 1500 Positive Momentum Tilt Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund, generally expects the Fund to hold less than the total number of securities in the Index, but reserves the right to hold as many securities as it believes necessary to achieve the Fund’s investment objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities, including business development companies, comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by the Adviser).

The Index applies an alternative weighting methodology to the S&P Composite 1500 Index so that stocks with relatively high momentum are overweight relative to the S&P Composite 1500 Index and stocks with relatively low momentum are underweight. The S&P Composite 1500 Index, one of the leading indices of the U.S. equity market, is a capitalization-weighted combination of the large-cap S&P 500 Index, the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. A “momentum” style of investing emphasizes investing in securities that have had higher recent price performance compared to other securities. In constructing the Index, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“Index Provider”) estimates the momentum of each stock in the S&P Composite 1500 Index based on its price performance over the 11 months ending one month before the index rebalancing date, and ranks all 1,500 Index constituents in order of momentum. S&P then forms 20 sub-portfolios of approximately equal market capitalization, grouped by momentum. S&P defines a sub-portfolio allocation factor so that a sub-portfolio with relatively high momentum will have a higher allocation factor than a sub-portfolio with relatively low momentum. The weight of each stock in the Index is proportionate to its market capitalization and to its sub-portfolio allocation factor. The Index is rebalanced quarterly on or about the end of January, April, July, and October. As of September 30, 2012, there were approximately 1,486 securities in the Index.

The Index is sponsored by the Index Provider which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

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PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

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As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

MOMENTUM RISK:  The Fund employs a “momentum” style of investing that emphasizes investing in securities that have had higher recent price performance compared to other securities. This style of investing is subject to the risk that these securities may be more volatile than a broad cross-section of securities or that the returns on securities that have previously exhibited price momentum are less than returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market. Momentum can turn quickly and cause significant variation from other types of investments.

UNCONSTRAINED SECTOR RISK:  The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets within one or more economic sectors or industries, which may change from period to period. To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in one or more sectors, market or economic factors impacting those sectors could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. Additionally, the Fund’s performance may be more volatile when the Fund’s investments are less diversified across sectors.

TURNOVER RISK:  The Fund may have higher portfolio turnover than a fund that seeks to track a traditionally weighted index. A high rate of portfolio turnover could produce higher trading costs and taxable distributions, which would detract from the Fund’s performance.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

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As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

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NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

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FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

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The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

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Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

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The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF

Risk/Return:

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MANAGEMENT FEES

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0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

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none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

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none

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

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0.35%

YEAR 1

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$ 36

YEAR 3

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$ 113

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

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SPDR(R) S&P(R) Telecom ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Telecom ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the telecommunications segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Telecom ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Telecom ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 50% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the telecommunications industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 55 stocks.

Should the Index not contain the required minimum of 35 qualifying companies, it may contain members of the Communications Equipment sub-industry.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the telecommunications industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the telecommunications industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The telecommunications industry is subject to extensive government regulation. The costs of complying with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive required regulatory approvals or the enactment of new adverse regulatory requirements may adversely affect the business of the telecommunications companies. The telecommunications industry can also be significantly affected by intense competition, including competition with alternative technologies such as wireless communications, product compatibility, consumer preferences, rapid product obsolescence and research and development of new products.

Technological innovations may make the products and services of telecommunications companies obsolete. Other risks include uncertainties resulting from such companies’ diversification into new domestic and international businesses, as well as agreements by any such companies linking future rate increases to inflation or other factors not directly related to the actual operating profits of the enterprise.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to the Index.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

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SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the oil and gas equipment and services segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 30% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the oil and gas equipment and services industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 47 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund's return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

OIL AND GAS SECTOR RISK:  The Fund's assets will generally be concentrated in the oil and gas equipment and services industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the oil and gas equipment and services industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies in the oil and gas sector develop and produce crude oil and natural gas and provide drilling and other energy resources production and distribution related services. Stock prices for these types of companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil and gas, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Correspondingly, securities of companies in the energy field are subject to swift price and supply fluctuations caused by events relating to international politics, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. Weak demand for the companies' products or services or for energy products and services in general, as well as negative developments in these other areas, would adversely impact the Fund's performance. Oil and gas equipment and services can be significantly affected by natural disasters as well as changes in exchange rates, interest rates, government regulation, world events and economic conditions. These companies may be at risk for environmental damage claims.

ENERGY SECTOR RISK:   Energy companies develop and produce oil, gas and consumable fuels and provide drilling and other energy resources production and distribution related services. Stock prices for these types of companies are affected by supply and demand, exploration and production spending, world events and economic conditions, swift price and supply fluctuations, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. Weak demand for energy companies' products or services or for energy products and services in general, as well as negative developments in these other areas, including natural disasters or terrorist attacks, would adversely impact the Fund's performance.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 30.39% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -47.62% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF	(5.23%)	4.00%	4.53%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(5.27%)	3.89%	4.43%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(3.34%)	3.41%	3.88%	Jun. 19, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF S&P OIL & GAS EQUIPMENT & SERVICES SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(4.98%)	4.28%	4.82%	Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was -1.58%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P Mortgage Finance ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Mortgage Finance ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the mortgage banking, processing and marketing segment of the U.S. financial services industry.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 91% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

91.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Mortgage Finance Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the mortgage finance industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $1 billion with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $600 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $500 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is a modified equal weighted index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 45 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK: The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK: While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

MORTGAGE SECTOR RISK: The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the mortgage industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the mortgage industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The mortgage industry can be significantly affected by regulatory changes, interest rate movements, home mortgage demand, refinancing activity, and residential delinquency trends. The residential real estate finance industry has changed rapidly over the last decade. Regulatory changes at banks and other federally insured institutions, in response to a high failure rate, have led to high capital ratios and more prudent underwriting. This reduced capacity has created growth opportunities for uninsured companies and secondary market products to fill unmet demand for home loans. Significant changes are occurring in the origination, packaging, marketing and selling, holding, and insuring of mortgage products.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK: Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Numerous financial services companies have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial services companies to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities (which include REITS). Declining real estate values could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK: An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK: The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK: The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (year ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 19.45% (Q4 2011)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -26.77% (Q3 2011)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund has changed its benchmark index to the S&P Mortgage Finance Select Industry Index from the KBW Mortgage Finance Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund has changed its benchmark index to the S&P Mortgage Finance Select Industry Index from the KBW Mortgage Finance Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF | SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

5.72%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(19.70%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

26.75%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2011

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

19.45%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(26.77%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(19.70%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(5.43%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Apr. 29, 2009

SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(20.08%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(5.85%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Apr. 29, 2009

SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(12.54%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(4.59%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Apr. 29, 2009

SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF | S&P MORTGAGE FINANCE SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

^[3]

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

^[3]

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 12, 2011

SPDR(R) S&P Mortgage Finance(SM) ETF | KBW MORTGAGE FINANCE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(21.09%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(5.92%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Apr. 29, 2009

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 26.75%.

[3] The S&P Mortgage Finance Select Industry Index inception date is September 12, 2011.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Dividend ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded issuers that have historically followed a policy of making dividend payments.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 94% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

94.00%

Expense Example by Year [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleByYearHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund, generally expects the Fund to hold less than the total number of securities in the Index, but reserves the right to hold as many securities as it believes necessary to achieve the Fund’s investment objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by the Adviser).

The Index is designed to measure the performance of the highest dividend yielding S&P Composite 1500^® Index constituents that have followed a managed-dividends policy of consistently increasing dividends every year for at least 20 consecutive years. Stocks included in the Index have both capital growth and dividend income characteristics, as opposed to stocks that are pure yield, or pure capital oriented, and must meet minimum float-adjusted market capitalization and liquidity requirements. Stocks within the Index are weighted by indicated yield (annualized gross dividend payment per share divided by price per share) and weight-adjusted each quarter. The Index components are reviewed annually in January for continued inclusion in the Index and re-weighted quarterly in April, July and October. A component stock may be removed from the Index if, among other factors, 1) during the January rebalancing, dividends did not increase from the previous year, or 2) at any time during the year, a company is removed from the S&P Composite 1500 Index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 83 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities. .

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 17.28% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -16.22% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

17.74%

^[2]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(6.39%)

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(23.02%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

19.12%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

16.43%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

7.25%

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

10.35%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

17.28%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(16.22%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.25%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.40%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.14%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

6.58%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.60%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.39%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.24%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.93%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.34%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Dividend ETF | S&P HIGH YIELD DIVIDEND ARISTOCRATS INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.63%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.53%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.29%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 10.35%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the oil and gas equipment and services segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 30% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

30.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the oil and gas equipment and services industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 47 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund's return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

OIL AND GAS SECTOR RISK:  The Fund's assets will generally be concentrated in the oil and gas equipment and services industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the oil and gas equipment and services industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies in the oil and gas sector develop and produce crude oil and natural gas and provide drilling and other energy resources production and distribution related services. Stock prices for these types of companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general. The price of oil and gas, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world events and economic conditions will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Correspondingly, securities of companies in the energy field are subject to swift price and supply fluctuations caused by events relating to international politics, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. Weak demand for the companies' products or services or for energy products and services in general, as well as negative developments in these other areas, would adversely impact the Fund's performance. Oil and gas equipment and services can be significantly affected by natural disasters as well as changes in exchange rates, interest rates, government regulation, world events and economic conditions. These companies may be at risk for environmental damage claims.

ENERGY SECTOR RISK:   Energy companies develop and produce oil, gas and consumable fuels and provide drilling and other energy resources production and distribution related services. Stock prices for these types of companies are affected by supply and demand, exploration and production spending, world events and economic conditions, swift price and supply fluctuations, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. Weak demand for energy companies' products or services or for energy products and services in general, as well as negative developments in these other areas, including natural disasters or terrorist attacks, would adversely impact the Fund's performance.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 30.39% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -47.62% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

38.79%

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(57.63%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

67.61%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

30.23%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(5.23%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

(1.58%)

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

30.39%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(47.62%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(5.23%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.00%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.53%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(5.27%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.89%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.43%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(3.34%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.41%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.88%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF | S&P OIL & GAS EQUIPMENT & SERVICES SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(4.98%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.28%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.82%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 19, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was -1.58%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Volatility Tilt ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® 1500 Volatility Tilt ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P 1500 Volatility Tilt ETF (the "Fund") seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of U.S. equity securities based on low price volatility.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Volatility Tilt ETF
Management Fees		0.35%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	[1]	none
Other Expenses	[2]	none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3
SPDR(R) S&P(R) 1500 Volatility Tilt ETF	36	113

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P 1500 Reduced Volatility Tilt Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund, generally expects the Fund to hold less than the total number of securities in the Index, but reserves the right to hold as many securities as it believes necessary to achieve the Fund’s investment objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities, including business development companies, comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by the Adviser).

The Index applies an alternative weighting methodology to the S&P Composite 1500 Index so that stocks with relatively low volatility are overweight relative to the S&P Composite 1500 Index and stocks with relatively high volatility are underweight. The S&P 1500 Index, one of the leading indices of the U.S. equity market, is a capitalization-weighted combination of the large-cap S&P 500 Index, the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. In constructing the Index, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC estimates the volatility of each stock in the S&P Composite 1500 Index based on its monthly price return variance over the past five years, and ranks all 1,500 index constituents in order of volatility. S&P then forms 20 sub-portfolios of approximately equal market capitalization, grouped by volatility. S&P derives a sub-portfolio allocation factor using the inverse of each sub-portfolio’s volatility, so that a sub-portfolio with relatively low volatility will have a higher allocation factor than a sub-portfolio with relatively high volatility. The weight of each stock in the Index is proportionate to its market capitalization and to its sub-portfolio allocation factor. The Index is rebalanced annually after the close of business on the third Friday of April. As of September 30, 2012, there were approximately 1,500 securities in the Index.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

UNCONSTRAINED SECTOR RISK:  The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets within one or more economic sectors or industries, which may change from period to period. To the extent the Fund is concentrated in one or more sectors, market or economic factors impacting those sectors could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. Additionally, the Fund’s performance may be more volatile when the Fund’s investments are less diversified across sectors.

TURNOVER RISK:  The Fund may have higher portfolio turnover than a fund that seeks to track a traditionally weighted index. A high rate of portfolio turnover could produce higher trading costs and taxable distributions, which would detract from the Fund’s performance.

VOLATILITY RISK:  The Fund, in seeking to track an Index containing lower volatility stocks, may underperform other types of investments, particularly during periods of high growth.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P 500 Growth ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P 500 Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of large capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “growth” characteristics.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 21% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

21.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P 500 Growth Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization growth sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 Index exhibiting the strongest growth characteristics based on: (i) sales growth; (ii) earnings change to price; and (iii) momentum. The selection universe for the S&P 500 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally of $4.0 billion or more at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 280 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

LARGE CAP RISK:  Returns on investments in stocks of large U.S. companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of smaller and mid-sized companies.

GROWTH RISK:  The Fund emphasizes a “growth” style of investing. The market values of growth stocks may be more volatile than other types of investments. The prices of growth stocks tend to reflect future expectations, and when those expectations change or are not met, share prices generally fall. The returns on “growth” securities may or may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 16.35% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -23.11% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P 500 Growth Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P 500 Growth Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF | SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.20%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.20%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 20

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

64

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

113

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 255

2002

rr_AnnualReturn2002

(31.65%)

^[2]

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

29.18%

^[2]

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

4.92%

^[2]

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

3.10%

^[2]

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

8.93%

^[2]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

10.77%

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(37.48%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

37.10%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

16.34%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

4.43%

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

16.79%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

16.35%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(23.11%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.43%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.90%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

1.84%

SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.15%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.73%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

1.69%

SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.20%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.46%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

1.55%

SPDR(R) S&P 500 Growth ETF | S&P 500 GROWTH INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.65%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.38%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

2.13%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 16.79%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF

SPDR^® S&P^® Biotech ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the biotechnology segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.35%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.35%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF	36	113	197	443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 61% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the biotechnology industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 48 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the biotechnology industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the biotechnology industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies within the biotech industry invest heavily in research and development which may not necessarily lead to commercially successful products. This industry is also subject to increased governmental regulation which may delay or inhibit the release of new products. Many biotech companies are dependent upon their ability to use and enforce intellectual property rights and patents. Any impairment of such rights may have adverse financial consequences. Biotech stocks, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Biotech companies can be significantly affected by technological change and obsolescence, product liability lawsuits and consequential high insurance costs.

HEALTH CARE SECTOR RISK:  Companies in the health care sector are subject to extensive government regulation and their profitability can be significantly affected by restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure (including price discounting), limited product lines and an increased emphasis on the delivery of healthcare through outpatient services. Companies in the health care sector are heavily dependent on obtaining and defending patents, which may be time consuming and costly, and the expiration of patents may also adversely affect the profitability of the companies. Health care companies are also subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. In addition, their products can become obsolete due to industry innovation, changes in technologies or other market developments. Many new products in the health care sector require significant research and development and may be subject to regulatory approvals, all of which may be time consuming and costly with no guarantee that any product will come to market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 14.65% (Q3 2010)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -18.48% (Q3 2011)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF	5.27%	7.92%	5.34%	Jan. 31, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	5.27%	7.84%	5.27%	Jan. 31, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	3.42%	6.85%	4.59%	Jan. 31, 2006
SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF S&P BIOTECHNOLOGY SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	5.53%	8.23%	5.66%	Jan. 31, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 40.89%.

XML

SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF

SPDR^® Dow Jones REIT ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded real estate investment trusts.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.25%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.25%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF	26	80	141	318

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 7% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Select REIT Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is designed to provide a measure of real estate securities that serve as proxies for direct real estate investing, in part by excluding securities whose value is not always closely tied to the value of the underlying real estate. The reason for the exclusions is that factors other than real estate supply and demand, such as interest rates, influence the market value of these companies. The Index is a market capitalization weighted index of publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and is comprised of companies whose charters are the equity ownership and operation of commercial real estate and which operate under the REIT Act of 1960. To be included in the Index, a company must be both an equity owner and operator of commercial and/or residential real estate. Businesses excluded from the Index include: mortgage REITs, net-lease REITs, real estate finance companies, mortgage brokers and bankers, commercial and residential real estate brokers and real estate agents, home builders, large landowners and subdividers of unimproved land, hybrid REITs, and timber REITs, as well as companies that have more than 25% of their assets in direct mortgage investments. A company must have a minimum total market capitalization of at least $200 million at the time of its inclusion, and at least 75% of the company’s total revenue must be derived from the ownership and operation of real estate assets. The liquidity of the company’s stock must be commensurate with that of other institutionally held real estate securities. The Index is generally rebalanced quarterly, and returns are calculated on a buy and hold basis except as necessary to reflect the occasional occurrence of Index changes in the middle of the month. Each REIT in the Index is weighted by its float-adjusted market capitalization. That is, each security is weighted to reflect the attainable market performance of the security which reflects that portion of securities shares that are accessible to investors. The Index is priced daily and is a total return (price and income) benchmark. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 85 REITs.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser (as defined below). The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Sub-Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Sub-Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

REAL ESTATE SECTOR RISK:  The Fund will concentrate its investments in the real estate sector. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. Investing in real estate securities (which include REITs) may subject the Fund to risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate, such as decreases in real estate values, overbuilding, increased competition and other risks related to local or general economic conditions, increases in operating costs and property taxes, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, possible environmental liabilities, regulatory limitations on rent and fluctuations in rental income. Changes in interest rates may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in real estate securities. Certain real estate securities have a relatively small market capitalization, which may tend to increase the volatility of the market price of these securities. Real estate securities are dependent upon specialized management skills, have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of projects. Real estate securities are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers. In addition, a REIT could fail to qualify for favorable tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and could fail to maintain exemption from the registration requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 35.38% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -39.70% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	TEN YEARS
SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF	9.16%	(2.06%)	9.92%
SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	7.94%	(3.30%)	8.34%
SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	5.93%	(2.43%)	8.05%
SPDR(R) Dow Jones REIT ETF DOW JONES U.S. SELECT REIT INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	9.37%	(2.04%)	10.12%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 14.26%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Biotech ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the biotechnology segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 61% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

61.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the biotechnology industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 48 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the biotechnology industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the biotechnology industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies within the biotech industry invest heavily in research and development which may not necessarily lead to commercially successful products. This industry is also subject to increased governmental regulation which may delay or inhibit the release of new products. Many biotech companies are dependent upon their ability to use and enforce intellectual property rights and patents. Any impairment of such rights may have adverse financial consequences. Biotech stocks, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Biotech companies can be significantly affected by technological change and obsolescence, product liability lawsuits and consequential high insurance costs.

HEALTH CARE SECTOR RISK:  Companies in the health care sector are subject to extensive government regulation and their profitability can be significantly affected by restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure (including price discounting), limited product lines and an increased emphasis on the delivery of healthcare through outpatient services. Companies in the health care sector are heavily dependent on obtaining and defending patents, which may be time consuming and costly, and the expiration of patents may also adversely affect the profitability of the companies. Health care companies are also subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. In addition, their products can become obsolete due to industry innovation, changes in technologies or other market developments. Many new products in the health care sector require significant research and development and may be subject to regulatory approvals, all of which may be time consuming and costly with no guarantee that any product will come to market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 14.65% (Q3 2010)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -18.48% (Q3 2011)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

113

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

197

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 443

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

29.10%

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(8.81%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

0.47%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

17.59%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

5.27%

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

40.89%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2010

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

14.65%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(18.48%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.27%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

7.92%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.34%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.27%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

7.84%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.27%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.42%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

6.85%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.59%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Biotech ETF | S&P BIOTECHNOLOGY SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.53%

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

8.23%

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.66%

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2006

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 40.89%.

XML

SPDR(R) S&P 500 Value ETF

SPDR^® S&P 500 Value ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR S&P 500 Value ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of large capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “value” characteristics.

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) S&P 500 Value ETF SPDR(R) S & P 500 Value ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.20%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.20%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) S&P 500 Value ETF SPDR(R) S & P 500 Value ETF	20	64	113	255

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 25% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P 500 Value Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization value sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 Index exhibiting the strongest value characteristics based on: (i) book value to price ratio; (ii) earnings to price ratio; and (iii) sales to price ratio. The selection universe for the S&P 500 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally of $4.0 billion or more at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 368 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

LARGE CAP RISK:  Returns on investments in stocks of large U.S. companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of smaller and mid-sized companies.

VALUE RISK:  The Fund employs a “value” style of investing that emphasizes undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that the valuations never improve or that the returns on “value” equity securities are less than returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 18.25% (Q2 2003)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -21.13% (Q4 2008)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P 500 Value Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Average Annual Total Returns SPDR(R) S&P 500 Value ETF	ONE YEAR	FIVE YEARS	TEN YEARS
SPDR(R) S & P 500 Value ETF	(0.66%)	(2.80%)	2.67%
SPDR(R) S & P 500 Value ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(1.02%)	(3.28%)	2.16%
SPDR(R) S & P 500 Value ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	(0.03%)	(2.44%)	2.25%
S&P 500 VALUE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	(0.48%)	(2.96%)	3.52%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 15.56%.

XML

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 20, 2013
Risk/Return:
Document Type	Other
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2012
Registrant Name	SPDR SERIES TRUST
Central Index Key	0001064642
Amendment Flag	false
Document Creation Date	Jun. 20, 2013
Document Effective Date	Jun. 20, 2013
Prospectus Date	Jun. 20, 2013

XML

SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF

SPDR^® Wells Fargo^® Preferred Stock ETF

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The SPDR Wells Fargo Preferred Stock ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index based upon Preferred Securities (as defined below).

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF
MANAGEMENT FEES		0.45%
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES	[1]	none
OTHER EXPENSES		none
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES		0.45%

EXAMPLE:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	YEAR 1	YEAR 3	YEAR 5	YEAR 10
SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF	46	144	252	567

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 69% of the average value of its portfolio.

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In seeking to track the performance of the Wells Fargo Hybrid and Preferred Securities Aggregate Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is a modified market capitalization weighted index designed to measure the performance of non-convertible preferred stock and securities that are functionally equivalent to preferred stock, including, but not limited to, depositary preferred securities, perpetual subordinated debt and certain securities issued by banks and other financial institutions that are eligible for capital treatment with respect to such instruments akin to that received for issuance of straight preferred stock (collectively, “Preferred Securities”). Preferred Securities generally pay fixed rate distributions and typically have “preference” over common stock in the payment of distributions and the liquidation of a company’s assets — preference means that a company must pay distributions on its Preferred Securities before paying dividends on its common stock, and the claims of Preferred Securities holders are ahead of common stockholders’ claims on assets in a corporate liquidation. The Index includes Preferred Securities that meet the following criteria: (i) are non-convertible; (ii) have a par amount of $25; (iii) are listed on the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”); (iv) maintain a minimum par value of $250 million; (v) are U.S. dollar denominated; (vi) are rated investment grade by one of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services; (vii) are publicly registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933; and (viii) have a minimum monthly trading volume during each of the last six months of at least 250,000 trading units. The Index does not include auction rate preferred securities, convertible preferred shares, securities subject to sinking fund provisions, shares in closed-end funds, municipal securities, or repackaged securities linked to a security, a basket of securities or an index. The Index is rebalanced monthly, on the final NYSE Arca trading day of each month. Issuers of Preferred Securities may be either U.S. based or foreign. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 134 Preferred Securities.

The Index is sponsored by Wells Fargo & Company (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK:  There are special risks associated with investing in Preferred Securities. Generally, Preferred Security holders (such as the Fund) have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless certain events occur. In addition, Preferred Securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. Unlike debt securities, dividend payments on a Preferred Security typically must be declared by the issuer’s board of directors. An issuer’s board of directors is generally not under any obligation to pay a dividend (even if such dividends have accrued), and may suspend payment of dividends on Preferred Securities at any time. In the event an issuer of Preferred Securities experiences economic difficulties, the issuer’s Preferred Securities may lose substantial value due to the reduced likelihood that the issuer’s board of directors will declare a dividend and the fact that the Preferred Security may be subordinated to other securities of the same issuer. There is a chance that the issuer of any of the Fund’s holdings will default (fail to make scheduled dividend payments on the Preferred Security or scheduled interest payments on other obligations of the issuer not held by the Fund).

INTEREST RATE RISK:  Because many Preferred Securities pay dividends at a fixed rate, their market price can be sensitive to changes in interest rates in a manner similar to bonds — that is, as interest rates rise, the value of the Preferred Securities held by the Fund are likely to decline. To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in fixed rate Preferred Securities, rising interest rates may cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline significantly.

ISSUER RISK:  Because many Preferred Securities allow holders to convert the Preferred Securities into common stock of the issuer, their market price can be sensitive to changes in the value of the issuer’s common stock and, therefore, declining common stock values may also cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline.

CALL RISK:  Preferred Securities often have call features which allow the issuer to redeem the security at its discretion. The redemption of a Preferred Security having a higher than average yield may cause a decrease in the Fund’s yield.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK:  Preferred Securities may be issued by financial institutions. Financial institutions are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and the interest rates and fees they can charge. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and caused certain financial institutions to incur large losses. Numerous financial institutions have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial institutions to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector.

FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK:  Returns on investments in foreign securities could be more volatile than, or trail the returns on, investments in U.S. securities. Investments in securities issued by entities based outside the U.S. pose distinct risks since political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. Further, such entities and/or their securities may also be affected by currency controls; different accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and legal standards and practices; expropriation; changes in tax policy; greater market volatility; differing securities market structures; higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. Securities traded on foreign markets may be less liquid (harder to sell) than securities traded domestically. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in developing or emerging countries.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

FUND PERFORMANCE

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (year ended 12/31)

Highest Quarterly Return: 10.56% (Q3 2010)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -5.52% (Q3 2011)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Average Annual Total Returns	ONE YEAR	SINCE INCEPTION	INCEPTION DATE
SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF	0.90%	9.14%	Sep. 16, 2009
SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS	(1.18%)	6.97%	Sep. 16, 2009
SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES	0.87%	6.67%	Sep. 16, 2009
SPDR(R) Wells Fargo(R) Preferred Stock ETF WELLS FARGO HYBRID AND PREFERRED SECURITIES AGGREGATE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.87%	9.50%	Sep. 16, 2009

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[1] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 12.74%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Building & Construction ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P^® Building & Construction ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Building & Construction ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index derived from the building and construction segment of a U.S. total market composite index.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.

Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]

rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates

“Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

Expense Example by Year [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleByYearHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Building & Construction Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the building and construction industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 118 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the building and construction industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the building and construction industry versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies within the Index can be significantly affected by the national, regional and local residential and commercial real estate markets. This industry is also sensitive to interest rate fluctuations which can cause changes in the availability of mortgage capital and directly affect the purchasing power of potential homebuyers. The building industry can be significantly affected by changes in government spending, zoning laws, taxation, consumer confidence, real estate values, demographic patterns, building inventories, and the level of new and existing home sales. Natural disasters and environmental issues can also affect the building industry.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR RISK:  Stock prices for industrial companies are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation, world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these companies. Aerospace and defense companies, a component of the industrial sector, can be significantly affected by government spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. and foreign government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies which are typically under pressure from efforts to control the U.S. (and other) government budgets. Transportation stocks, a component of the industrial sector, are cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements which may result from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and therefore the Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance information.

SPDR(R) S&P(R) Building & Construction ETF | SPDR(R) S&P(R) Building & Construction ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 36

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

$ 113

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

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Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of small capitalization exchange traded U.S. equity securities exhibiting “value” characteristics.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” reflect the Fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly through its ownership in other investment companies, such as business development companies (“BDCs”). BDC expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by the Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with fund operations. This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 34% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

34.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization value sector in the U.S. equity market. The Index consists of those stocks, including BDCs, in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index exhibiting the strongest value characteristics based on: (i) book value to price ratio; (ii) earnings to price ratio; and (iii) sales to price ratio. The selection universe for the S&P SmallCap 600 Index includes all U.S. common equities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Select Market and NASDAQ Capital Market with market capitalizations generally between $300 million and $1.4 billion at the time of inclusion. Capitalization ranges may be revised by the Index Provider (as defined below) at any time. To be included in the Index, a security should (i) have an annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization ratio of 1 or greater; (ii) trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date; (iii) have a public float of at least 50%; and (iv) have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings. The Index is market capitalization weighted and rebalanced annually on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 455 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

SMALL CAP RISK:  Small-sized companies may be more volatile and more likely than large- and mid-capitalization companies to have relatively limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or depend on a few key employees. Returns on investments in stocks of small companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of larger companies.

VALUE RISK:  The Fund employs a “value” style of investing that emphasizes undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that the valuations never improve or that the returns on “value” equity securities are less than returns on other styles of investing or the overall stock market.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 25.67% (Q3 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -25.28% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Fund’s investment strategy sought to track the total return performance of an index different from the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index. Performance of the Fund prior to December 17, 2010 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF | SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.25%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

ACQUIRED FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.06%

^[2]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.31%

^[2]

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 32

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

100

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

174

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 393

2002

rr_AnnualReturn2002

(2.72%)

^[3]

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

42.91%

^[3]

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

17.96%

^[3]

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

5.89%

^[3]

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

19.66%

^[3]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(4.22%)

^[3]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(33.58%)

^[3]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

36.57%

^[3]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

24.21%

^[3]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(1.53%)

^[3]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

14.43%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

25.67%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(25.28%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(1.53%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.22%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

8.24%

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(1.80%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.69%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.36%

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(0.85%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.81%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.06%

SPDR(R) S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF | S&P SMALLCAP 600 VALUE INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(1.38%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.12%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.69%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" are not included in the Fund's financial statements, which provide a clearer picture of a fund's actual operating costs.

[3] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 14.43%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® Morgan Stanley Technology ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR Morgan Stanley Technology ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded electronics-based technology companies.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 21% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

21.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the Morgan Stanley Technology Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index is composed purely of electronics-based technology companies. The Index was the first listed broad-market technology barometer dedicated exclusively to the electronics-based technology industry. The Index comprises companies drawn from the following technology sub-sectors: computer services; design software; server software, PC software and new media; networking and telecom equipment; server hardware, PC hardware and peripherals; specialized systems; and semiconductors. The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) calculates the Index. Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated acts as consultant to the NYSE in connection with NYSE’s maintenance of the Index. The Index is equal-dollar-weighted to ensure that each of its component securities is represented in approximate equal dollar value. To ensure that each component stock continues to represent approximate equal market value in the Index, adjustments, if necessary, are made annually after the close of trading on the third Friday of December. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 35 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the technology industry, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the technology industry versus a fund that was more diversified. The Fund is subject to the risk that market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.

ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY RISK:  The electronics industry can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, aggressive pricing, technological developments, changing domestic demand, the ability to attract and retain skilled employees and availability and price of components. The market for products is characterized by rapidly changing technology, rapid product obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. The success of industry participants depends in substantial part on the timely and successful introduction of new products. An unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting an issuer’s products or in the market for products based on a particular technology could have a material adverse effect on a participant’s operating results. Companies in the electronics industry may rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect their proprietary rights in their products and technologies. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by such companies to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to such companies’ technology.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:  The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 27.51% (Q2 2003)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -28.23% (Q3 2002)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF | SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.50%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.50%

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 51

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

160

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

280

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 628

2002

rr_AnnualReturn2002

(43.44%)

^[2]

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

65.05%

^[2]

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

6.56%

^[2]

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

2.85%

^[2]

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

8.83%

^[2]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

9.73%

^[2]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(44.91%)

^[2]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

70.21%

^[2]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

15.41%

^[2]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(10.60%)

^[2]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund’s Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

17.01%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2003

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

27.51%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2002

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(28.23%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(10.60%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.20%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

1.69%

SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(10.70%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.13%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

1.65%

SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(6.74%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.02%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

1.45%

SPDR(R) Morgan Stanley Technology ETF | MORGAN STANLEY TECHNOLOGY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(10.28%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.64%

TEN YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

2.17%

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 17.01%.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

SPDR SERIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jun. 20, 2013

SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

SPDR^® S&P Capital Markets ETF

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The SPDR S&P Capital Markets ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that tracks the performance of publicly traded companies that do business as broker-dealers, asset managers, trust and custody banks or exchanges.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”). “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” reflect the Fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly through its ownership in other investment companies, such as business development companies (“BDCs”). BDC expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by the Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with fund operations. This table and the example below do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of the Fund’s Shares.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 64% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

64.00%

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

EXAMPLE:

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Capital Markets Select Industry Index (the “Index”), the Fund employs a replication strategy, which means that the Fund typically invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this 80% investment policy. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index, cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds (including money market funds advised by SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund).

The Index represents the capital markets industry group of the S&P Total Market Index (“S&P TMI”). The Index is one of twenty-five (25) of the S&P Select Industry Indices (the “Select Industry Indices”), each designed to measure the performance of a narrow sub-industry or group of sub-industries determined based on the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”). Membership in the Select Industry Indices is based on the GICS classification, as well as liquidity and market cap requirements. Companies in the Select Industry Indices are classified based primarily on revenues; however, earnings and market perception are also considered. The Index consists of the S&P TMI constituents, including BDCs, belonging to the particular GICS sub-industry or group of sub-industries that satisfy the following criteria: (i) have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $500 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined by dollar value traded over the previous 12 months divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization as of the index rebalancing reference date) above 90% or have a float-adjusted market capitalization above $400 million with a float-adjusted liquidity ratio (as defined above) above 150%; and (ii) are U.S. based companies. The length of time to evaluate liquidity is reduced to the available trading period for initial public offerings or spin-offs that do not have 12 months of trading history. If there are fewer than 35 stocks, stocks from a supplementary list of highly correlated sub-industries that meet the market capitalization and liquidity thresholds are included in order of their float-adjusted market capitalization. The market capitalization threshold may be relaxed to ensure that there are at least 22 stocks in the Index as of the rebalancing effective date. Existing Index constituents are removed at the quarterly rebalancing effective date if either their float-adjusted market capitalization falls below $300 million or their float-adjusted liquidity ratio falls below 50%. The market capitalization threshold and the liquidity threshold are each reviewed from time to time based on market conditions. Rebalancing occurs on the third Friday of the quarter ending month. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE (including NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex), the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Index is a modified equal weighted index. As of September 30, 2012, the Index was comprised of 45 stocks.

The Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “Index Provider”) which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

PASSIVE STRATEGY/INDEX RISK:  The Fund is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund may hold constituent securities of the Index regardless of the current or projected performance of a specific security or a particular industry or market sector. Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

INDEX TRACKING RISK:  While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index as closely as possible (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies. For example, the Adviser anticipates that it may take several business days for additions and deletions to the Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.

CAPITAL MARKETS SECTOR RISK:  The Fund’s assets will generally be concentrated in the capital markets sector, which means the Fund will be more affected by the performance of the capital markets sector versus a fund that was more diversified. Companies within the Index can be significantly affected by stock and bank trading activity, changes in governmental regulation, continuing increases in price competition, decreases in fees or fee-related business, including investment banking, brokerage, asset management and other servicing fees, fluctuation in interest rates and other factors which could adversely affect financial markets.

FINANCIAL SECTOR RISK:  Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, the recent deterioration of the credit markets generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Recent events in the financial sector have resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Numerous financial services companies have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial services companies to experience a dramatic decline in value. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities (which include REITS). Declining real estate values could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.

EQUITY INVESTING RISK:  An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities, such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

BDC INVESTING RISK:  BDCs, by their nature, invest in and provide services to privately held and thinly traded companies, which involve greater risk than well established, publicly-traded companies. Further, because BDCs are regulated as investment companies, there are regulatory constraints on both the BDC’s operations, which could negatively impact the performance of the BDC, and on a fund’s ability to invest in BDCs, which could increase the risk of tracking error.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund, and you could lose money on an investment in the Fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK:   The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a larger percentage of its assets in securities of a few issuers or a single issuer than that of a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be disproportionately impacted by the performance of relatively few securities.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

FUND PERFORMANCE

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
http://www.spdrs.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

http://www.spdrs.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (years ended 12/31)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return: 29.06% (Q2 2009)
Lowest Quarterly Return: -33.43% (Q4 2008)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ending 12/31/11)

Performance Table Market Index Changed

rr_PerformanceTableMarketIndexChanged

Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Capital Markets Select Industry Index from the KBW Capital Markets Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 24, 2011, the Fund changed its benchmark index to the S&P Capital Markets Select Industry Index from the KBW Capital Markets Index. The Fund’s performance prior to October 24, 2011 is therefore based on the Fund’s prior investment strategy to track a different benchmark index.

SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF | SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

MANAGEMENT FEES

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.35%

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) FEES

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

OTHER EXPENSES

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

^[2]

ACQUIRED FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.91%

^[3]

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.26%

^[2],[3]

YEAR 1

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 128

YEAR 3

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

400

YEAR 5

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

692

YEAR 10

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,523

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

28.47%

^[4]

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

0.94%

^[4]

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(60.27%)

^[4]

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

40.94%

^[4]

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

6.30%

^[4]

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(25.39%)

^[4]

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

18.00%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Highest Quarterly Return:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

29.06%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Lowest Quarterly Return:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(33.43%)

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(25.39%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(14.83%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(8.16%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS | SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(25.80%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(15.06%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(8.47%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF | RETURN AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES | SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(16.27%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(11.90%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(6.61%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF | S&P CAPITAL MARKETS SELECT INDUSTRY INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

^[5]

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

^[5]

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

^[5]

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 12, 2011

SPDR(R) S&P Capital Markets ETF | KBW CAPITAL MARKETS INDEX (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

ONE YEAR

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(25.41%)

FIVE YEARS

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(14.65%)

SINCE INCEPTION

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(7.94%)

INCEPTION DATE

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 08, 2005

[1] The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made, however, the Board has determined that no such payments will be made through at least October 31, 2013.

[2] Amounts do not reflect certain other expenses of 0.01% incurred during the prior fiscal year which are not expected to be incurred during the current fiscal year.

[3] "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" are not included in the Fund's financial statements, which provide a clearer picture of a fund's actual operating costs.

[4] As of September 30, 2012, the Fund's Calendar Year-To-Date return was 18.00%.

[5] The S&P Capital Markets Select Industry Index inception date is September 12, 2011.