<DefinitionAndReference>
  <Element Id="gld_GoldPayableTextBlock">
    <definition>Gold Payable Text Block.</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="us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_ProceedsFromSalesOfGold">
    <definition>Proceeds from the sale of gold for the payment of the Trust's expenses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_TrustExpenseRatio">
    <definition>The annual percentage of the adjusted net asset value charged to the Trust to meet its expenses.</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="gld_SalesOfGoldOunces">
    <definition>Ounces of gold sold by the Trust to meet the expenses of the Trust.</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 adjusted net asset value of the Trust.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_RedemptionsValueOfGold">
    <definition>Value (lower of cost or market) of gold paid out of the Trust's account in respect of redemptions.</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="gld_RedemptionsOuncesOfGold">
    <definition>Ounces of gold paid 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>The maximum number of common stock shares which the Trust is authorised to issue.</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 expenses charged to the Trust do not exceed the expense ratio of the Trust.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_OrdinaryExpensesAccrualRateIfGrossAssetsDropDiscussion">
    <definition>Discussion that relates to the approximate assets under management below which the ordinary expenses will accrue at a rate greater than the expense ratio.</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="gld_GoldReceviableTextBlock">
    <definition>Gold Receviable Text Block.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_UnforeseenExpensesOfTrustDiscussion">
    <definition>Discussion that relates to the rate at which unforeseen expenses might accrue which would result in the expense ratio charged to the Trust being exceeded.</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="gld_CreationsAndRedemptionsOfSharesPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>Describes the Trust's accounting policy for the creation and redemption of shares.</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="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey">
    <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="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_GoldReceivableOuncesOfGold">
    <definition>Ounces of gold receivable by the Trust.</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_IncreaseDecreaseInGoldPayable">
    <definition>Increase decrease in gold payable in respect of redemption of shares.</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="gld_GoldPayable">
    <definition>The total amount of gold due by the Trust within one year of the balance sheet date in respect of the redemption of shares.</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_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <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="gld_InvestmentInGold">
    <definition>The value (lower of cost or market) of gold received by the Trust in respect of the issuance of shares.</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="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTextBlock">
    <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_CostOfGoldSoldToPayExpensesImpactOnOperations">
    <definition>The cost of gold sold for the payment of the Trust's expenses which impacts the gain or loss from operations.</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 or loss on the investment in gold received 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 gold received by the Trust in respect of the issuance of shares.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_GoldPayablePolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>Describes the Trust's accounting policy for gold payable in respect of redemption of shares.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_CostOfGoldSoldToPayExpensesImpactOnAssets">
    <definition>The cost of gold sold for the payment of the Trust's expenses which impacts the investment in gold asset.</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="us-gaap_CostMethodInvestmentsDescriptionTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_CreationsValueOfGold">
    <definition>Value (lower of cost or market) of gold received 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_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent">
    <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_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</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="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues">
    <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_GainLossOnGoldDistributedForRedemptionOfShares">
    <definition>Realized gain or loss on gold distributed for the redemption of shares.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_TotalGainLossOnGold">
    <definition>Total realized gain or loss on the sale and distribution of gold.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_TrusteeMinimumFee">
    <definition>The minimum annual fee payable to the Trustee.</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_DocumentFiscalYearFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_AmountsPayableToRelatedPartiesTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure pertaining to amounts payable to related parties of the Trust.</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="us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_GoldPayableOuncesOfGold">
    <definition>Ounces of gold payable by the Trust.</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_ValuationOfGoldTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure pertaining to the impact of unrealised gains on the valuation of gold investment in the Trust.</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="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock">
    <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="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_QuarterlyStatementsOfOperationsTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure pertaining to the Quarterly Statements of Operations.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_MinimumBlockOfSharesIssuedRedeemedAgainstGold">
    <definition>The minimum block of shares that can be created or redeemed against gold deposits or distributions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_RedemptionValuePerRedeemableShareAtPeriodEnd">
    <definition>The net asset value per share redeemable at the 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 received into the Trust's account in respect of creations.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="gld_TrusteeMaximumFee">
    <definition>The maximum annual fee payable to the Trustee.</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_AdjustmentOfRedeemableSharesToRedemptionValueOfShares">
    <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 will accrue expenses at a rate higher than the expense ratio 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 expenses charged to the Trust at the expense ratio 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="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="gld_InvestmentsInGoldTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure pertaining to the movement in the investment in gold in the Trust.</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="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>
