Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

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

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Loans, Notes and Mortgages - Net Credit Default Protection (Details) (Credit default swaps, USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount $ 2,600 $ 3,400
Total net credit default protection [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount (2,572) [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 (583) [1] (661) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 22.70% [1] 19.40% [1]
A [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount (1,195) [1] (1,542) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 46.40% [1] 45.10% [1]
BBB [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount (550) [1] (637) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 21.40% [1] 18.60% [1]
BB [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount (85) [1] (190) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 3.30% [1] 5.60% [1]
B [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount (40) [1] (190) [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 1.60% [1] 5.60% [1]
CCC and Below [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount $ (119) [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 22.00% 16.00%
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years 77.00% 82.00%
Greater than five years 1.00% 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.