diff --git a/lib/OpenLayers/Layer/Google/v3.js b/lib/OpenLayers/Layer/Google/v3.js
index d0f88f418e..5b225f056b 100644
--- a/lib/OpenLayers/Layer/Google/v3.js
+++ b/lib/OpenLayers/Layer/Google/v3.js
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ OpenLayers.Layer.Google.v3 = {
         google.maps.event.trigger(this.mapObject, "resize");
         
         var div = this.mapObject.getDiv().firstChild;
-        if (div.childNodes.length < 3) {
+        if (!div || div.childNodes.length < 3) {
             this.repositionTimer = window.setTimeout(
                 OpenLayers.Function.bind(this.repositionMapElements, this),
                 250