<DefinitionAndReference>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_TrustExpenseRatio">
    <definition>Trust Expense Ratio.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_AggregateWeightOfGoldToDetermineCustodianFeeTiers">
    <definition>Aggregate weight of gold used to determine appropriate custodian fee tier to use in calculating custodian fee.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_RelatedPartyFeesPayableAtAnnualRate">
    <definition>Related party fees at the annual contractual rates charged on the daily ANAV of the Trust.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityPublicFloat">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_RedemptionsOuncesOfGold">
    <definition>Ounces of gold that have been transferred out of the Trust's account in respect of Redemptions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SponsorFees">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TrusteeFees">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_CommonStockSharesAuthorised">
    <definition>Common stock shares authorised.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_SponsorAndMarketingAgentFeesReduction">
    <definition>The reduction in the Sponsor's and Marketing Agent's fees made to ensure that the total fees of the Trust do not exceed .40% of the ANAV of the Trust.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_OrdinaryExpensesAccrualRateIfGrossAssetsDropDiscussion">
    <definition>Ordinary expenses accrual rate if gross assets drop discussion.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_IncreaseInGoldPayable">
    <definition>Increase In Gold Payable.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_CostOfGoldSoldToPayExpenses">
    <definition>Cost of sales of gold as necessary to pay the Trust's expenses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_UnforeseenExpensesOfTrustDiscussion">
    <definition>Unforeseen expenses of the Trust discussion.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_CreationsAndRedemptionsOfSharesPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>Creations And Redemptions Of Shares Policy.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityRegistrantName">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_GoldReceivableOuncesOfGold">
    <definition>Ounces of gold receivable by the Trust.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_ProceedsFromSalesOfGold">
    <definition>Proceeds derived from the sale of gold as necessary to pay the Trust's expenses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSubsequentEventsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_InvestmentInGold">
    <definition>Investment in Gold at lower of cost or market.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GrossProfit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_AdjustmentOfRedeemableSharesToRedemptionValue">
    <definition>Adjustment reflecting the difference between cost and redemption value of redeemable shares.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceOtherMeasure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostMethodInvestmentsDescriptionTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueOfAssetsAcquired">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Liabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_TotalGainOnGold">
    <definition>Total realized gain or loss on the sale and distribution of gold.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForOperatingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestmentInGold">
    <definition>The unrealized gain/loss on the Investment In Gold held by the Trust.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromCustomers">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_MarketValueOfInvestmentInGold">
    <definition>Market value of investment in gold.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MarketingExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_CreationsValueOfGold">
    <definition>Value of Gold that has been transferred into the Trust's account in respect of Creations</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_GainOnGoldDistributedForRedemptionOfShares">
    <definition>Realized gain or loss on gold distributed for the redemption of shares.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ReceivablesPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_AmendmentFlag">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityFilerCategory">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_TrusteeMinimumFee">
    <definition>Trustee minimum fee.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_SalesOfGold">
    <definition>Sales of gold.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_AmountsPayableToRelatedPartiesTextBlock">
    <definition>Amounts Payable to Related Parties.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_ValuationOfGoldTextBlock">
    <definition>Valuation of Gold.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Assets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentType">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_RedemptionsValueOfGold">
    <definition>Value of Gold that has been transferred out of the Trust's account in respect of Redemptions</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_MinimumBlockOfSharesIssuedRedeemedAgainstGold">
    <definition>Minimum block of shares issued or redeemed against gold deposits or distributions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_RedemptionValuePerRedeemableShareAtPeriodEnd">
    <definition>Redemption value per redeemable share at period end.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_CreationsOuncesOfGold">
    <definition>Ounces of gold that have been transferred into the Trust's account in respect of Creations.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_TrusteeMaximumFee">
    <definition>Trustee maximum fee.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProfitLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_ValueOfGoldDistributedForRedemptionOfShares">
    <definition>Value (lower of cost or market) of gold distributed for redemption of shares.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_AssetsUnderManagementRequiredForTrustAccrual">
    <definition>The approximate assets under management below which the Trust accrual will exceed .40% per year of the daily ANAV of the Trust</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_SponsorAndMarketingAgentCombinedFeesAtRate">
    <definition>Combined Sponsor's and Marketing Agent's fees which can be waived to maintain the total fees of the Trust at .40% per year of the ANAV of the Trust.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_InvestmentsInGoldTextBlock">
    <definition>Investments In Gold.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherExpenses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CustodyFees">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
</DefinitionAndReference>
