Cover
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
shares
Entity Addresses [Line Items]  
Document Type 40-F
Amendment Flag false
Document Registration Statement false
Document Annual Report true
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2022
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Entity File Number 001-34638
Entity Registrant Name SPROTT PHYSICAL GOLD TRUST
Entity Central Index Key 0001477049
Entity Tax Identification Number 98-1399794
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code A6
Entity Address, Address Line One Suite 2600, South Tower
Entity Address, Address Line Two Royal Bank Plaza
Entity Address, Address Line Three 200 Bay Street
Entity Address, City or Town Toronto
Entity Address, State or Province ON
Entity Address, Country CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code M5J 2J1
Title of 12(b) Security Units
Trading Symbol PHYS
Security Exchange Name NYSEArca
Annual Information Form true
Audited Annual Financial Statements true
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 343,316,087
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true
Auditor Name KPMG LLP
Auditor Location Toronto, Ontario
Auditor Firm ID 85
Business Contact [Member]  
Entity Addresses [Line Items]  
Entity Address, Address Line One Seward & Kissel LLP
Entity Address, Address Line Two 901 K Street NW, Suite 800
Entity Address, City or Town Washington
Entity Address, State or Province DC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 20001
City Area Code 202
Local Phone Number 737-8833
Contact Personnel Name Anthony Tu-Sekine