Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Loans, Notes and Mortgages - Net Credit Default Protection (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Loans, Notes and Mortgages - Net Credit Default Protection (Details) (Credit default swaps, USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount $ (2,000) $ (3,400)
Total net credit default protection [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount (2,041) [1] (3,415) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 100.00% [1] 100.00% [1]
AA [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount (268) [1] (661) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 13.10% [1] 19.40% [1]
A [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount (1,034) [1] (1,542) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 50.60% [1] 45.10% [1]
BBB [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount (530) [1] (637) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 26.00% [1] 18.60% [1]
BB [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount (86) [1] (190) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 4.20% [1] 5.60% [1]
B [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount (30) [1] (190) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 1.50% [1] 5.60% [1]
CCC and Below [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount $ (93) [1] $ (195) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 4.60% [1] 5.70% [1]
Commercial Loan [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Maturity Profile [Abstract]    
Less than or equal to one year 25.00% 16.00%
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years 75.00% 82.00%
Greater than five years 0.00% 2.00%
Total net credit default protection 100.00% 100.00%
[1] Merrill Lynch considers ratings of BBB- or higher to meet the definition of investment grade.