2.2.0.7 false Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) 00400 - Statement - Statements of Cash Flows true false In Thousands false false 1 USD false false Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit13 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 2 USD false false Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit13 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 5 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 3 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities include all transactions and events that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Cash flows from operating activities are generally the cash effects of transactions and other events that enter into the determination of net income. false 6 Proceeds from sales of silver 4 slv_ProceedsFromSalesOfSilverToPayExpenses slv false credit duration Proceeds derived from the sale of silver during the period to pay the trust's expenses. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 true true false false 13026000 13026 false false false 2 true true false false 7717000 7717 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Proceeds derived from the sale of silver during the period to pay the trust's expenses. No authoritative reference available. false 7 Expenses - Sponsor's fees paid 4 slv_ExpensesSponsorsFeesPaid slv false credit duration The amount of cash paid during the current period for fees due to the sponsor of the trust. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false -13026000 -13026 false false false 2 false true false false -7717000 -7717 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The amount of cash paid during the current period for fees due to the sponsor of the trust. No authoritative reference available. false 8 Net cash provided by operating activities 4 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false false false false 0 0     false false false 2 false false false false 0 0     false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 9 Increase (decrease) in cash 4 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0     false false false 2 false false false false 0 0     false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change between the beginning and ending balance of cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 10 Cash, beginning of period 4 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 11 Cash, end of period 4 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 12 RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 4 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 13 Net income 5 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 99973000 99973 false false false 2 false true false false 562527000 562527 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 19 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph d Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A7 -Appendix A Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 20 -Article 9 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 10, 15 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28, 29, 30 false 14 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 4 us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 15 (Gain) loss on silver distributed for the redemption of shares 5 slv_GainLossOnSilverDistributedForRedemptionOfShares slv false credit duration Realized gain or loss on silver distributed for the redemption of shares. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -110206000 -110206 false false false 2 false true false false 611000 611 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Realized gain or loss on silver distributed for the redemption of shares. No authoritative reference available. false 16 Cost of silver sold to pay expenses 5 slv_CostOfSilverSoldToPayExpenses slv false debit duration Cost of silver sold during the period to pay the trust's expenses. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 10287000 10287 false false false 2 false true false false 7896000 7896 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Cost of silver sold during the period to pay the trust's expenses. No authoritative reference available. false 17 Increase (decrease) in Sponsor's fees payable 5 slv_IncreaseDecreaseInSponsorsFeesPayable slv false debit duration The net change during the reporting period in fees due to the sponsor of the trust. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false -54000 -54 false false false 2 false true false false 750000 750 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in fees due to the sponsor of the trust. No authoritative reference available. false 18 Market value recovery (Note 2B) 5 slv_MarketValueRecovery slv false credit duration Income recognized for the reversal of the market value reserve during the period. Market value reserve is defined as an... false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false false false false 0 0     false false false 2 false true false false -571784000 -571784 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Income recognized for the reversal of the market value reserve during the period. Market value reserve is defined as an adjustment to the carrying value to equal the fair value of silver, when the carrying value is greater than the fair value. No authoritative reference available. false 19 Net cash provided by operating activities 5 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false false false false 0 0     false false false 2 false false false false 0 0     false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 20 Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information: 3 us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 21 Carrying value of silver received for creation of shares 4 slv_CarryingValueOfSilverReceivedForCreationOfShares slv false debit duration Carrying value of silver received for creation of shares false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 292999000 292999 false false false 2 false true false false 964637000 964637 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Carrying value of silver received for creation of shares No authoritative reference available. false 22 Carrying value of silver distributed for redemption of shares, at average cost 4 slv_CarryingValueOfSilverDistributedForRedemptionOfSharesAtAverageCost slv false credit duration Carrying value of silver distributed for redemption of shares, at average cost false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 true true false false -371350000 -371350 false false false 2 true true false false -145125000 -145125 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Carrying value of silver distributed for redemption of shares, at average cost No authoritative reference available. false 2 18 false Thousands UnKnown UnKnown false true