Common stock, issued shares Common stock, authorized shares Common stock, par value Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY Total Liabilities Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase Payables under repurchase agreements (includes $36,943 in 2011 and $37,394 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) LIABILITIES Total Assets Cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash flows from financing activities: Maturities of available-for-sale securities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash provided by operating activities Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Deferred taxes Net Income (Loss) Net earnings (loss) Net earnings (loss) Net (loss) earnings Cash flows from operating activities: Total non-interest expenses Professional fees Occupancy and related depreciation Non-interest expenses Interest Expense Less interest expense Revenues Common stock (par value $1.33-1/3 per share; authorized: 3,000,000,000 shares; issued: 1,000 shares) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Liabilities [Abstract] Interest and other Total Other receivables Other assets Payables under securities loaned transactions Junior subordinated notes (related to trust preferred securities) Retained earnings/(Accumulated deficit) Less: Treasury stock, at cost (2009 - None; 2008 - 431,742,565 shares) Other, net Other investments Income Taxes Paid Subtotal Net earnings from discontinued operations Basic earnings per common share from discontinued operations Dividend paid per common share Dividend paid per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Revenues [Abstract] Revenues, Net of Interest Expense Noninterest Expense [Abstract] Occupancy, Net Professional Fees Noninterest Expense Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Assets Liabilities Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (benefit) expense Commissions Brokerage Commissions Revenue Other-than-temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale debt securities: Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Abstract] Investment banking Investment Banking Revenue Municipals money markets and physical commodities Municipals, money markets, physical commodities and other Municipals, money markets and physical commodities. Securities received as collateral, at fair value Securities Held as Collateral, at Fair Value Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill and intangible assets Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Also includes the amount of intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, as of the balance sheet date. Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Short Term Borrowings At Fair Value Short-term borrowings, at fair value This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents the amount of short-term debt existing as of the balance sheet date. Receivables under securities borrowed transactions at fair value Receivables under securities borrowed transactions, at fair value Receivables under securities borrowed transactions, at fair value. Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Allowances for loan losses Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance, Total Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance, Beginning Balance Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance, Ending Balance Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Trading liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Trading Liabilities Other changes in loans notes and mortgages held for sale Other changes in loans, notes, and mortgages held for sale Other changes in loans notes and mortgages held for sale. Segment and Geographic Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract] Fair Value Of Financial Instruments. Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Of Financial Instruments. Investment Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Borrowings and Deposits [Abstract] Borrowings And Deposits. Borrowings And Deposits [Text Block] Borrowings and Deposits Borrowings And Deposits. Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Regulatory Requirements Regulatory Capital Requirements for Mortgage Companies Disclosure [Text Block] Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Revenues, net of interest expense Noninterest Income Subtotal Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Commitments and Contingencies COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Consolidated VIE Other Assets Other assets Junior Subordinated Notes Junior subordinated notes (related to trust preferred securities) Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash used for financing activities Income Taxes Paid Income taxes paid Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Securitizations and Other Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Securitizations and other variable interest entities. Securitizations And Other Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Text Block] Securitizations and Other Variable Interest Entities The entire disclosure of securitizations and other variable interest entities. Loans, Notes and Mortgages [Abstract] Loans notes and mortgages. Loans Notes And Mortgages Disclosure [Text Block] Loans, Notes and Mortgages Loans notes and mortgages. Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral Obligation to return securities received as collateral, at fair value Securities Financing Transactions [Abstract] Payments of Dividends Dividends Other Receivables Interest and other Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract] Derivatives [Abstract] Investment Securities [Abstract] Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees [Abstract] Regulatory Requirements [Abstract] Proceeds From Payments For Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from payments for financing activities. Proceeds from (payments for): Proceeds From Payments For Investing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from payments for investing activities. Proceeds from (payments for): Securities Financing Transactions Disclosures [Text Block] Securities financing transactions disclosures. Securities Financing Transactions Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract] Additional Paid in Capital Paid-in capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax) Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other Increase (Decrease) in Due from Related Parties Receivables from Bank of America Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Capital, Net Other, net Portion Of Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized In OCI On AFS Debt Securities Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in OCI on AFS debt securities. Less: Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses On AFS Debt Securities Total other-than-temporary impairment losses Total other-than-temporary impairment Losses On AFS debt securities. Securities Financing Transactions Liabilities Total securities financing transactions The aggregate value as of the balance sheet date of securities financing transactions included in securities sold under agreement to repurchase and payables under securities loaned transactions. Cash and Securities Segregated under Federal and Other Regulations Cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing organizations Securities Financing Transaction [Abstract] Securities financing transactions Investment Securities Investment securities (includes $201 in 2011 and $310 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) Total debt and equity financial instruments including securities held-to-maturity, securities-available for-sale and other non-qualifying investment securities. Financial Instruments, Owned, Derivatives and Other Contractual Agreements, at Fair Value Derivative contracts Financial Instruments, Owned, Corporate Equities, at Fair Value Equities and convertible debentures Financial Instruments, Owned, Other Sovereign Government Obligations, at Fair Value Non-U.S. governments and agencies Financial Instruments, Owned, Corporate Debt, at Fair Value Corporate debt and preferred stock Financial Instruments, Owned, US Government and Agency Obligations, at Fair Value U.S. Government and agencies Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value Total trading assets at fair value Securities Loaned Payables under securities loaned transactions Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, Corporate Equities Equities and convertible debentures Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, Other Sovereign Government Debt Non-U.S. governments and agencies Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, Corporate Debt Corporate debt and preferred stock Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, US Government and Agency Obligations U.S. Government and agencies Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, State and Municipal Government Obligations Municipals, money markets and other Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, at Fair Value Total Trading liabilities Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, at Fair Value [Abstract] Trading liabilities, at fair value Securities Financing Transactions Assets Total securities financing transactions The aggregate value as of the balance sheet date of securities financing transactions included in securities purchased under agreement to resell and receivables under securities borrowed transactions. Financial Instruments, Owned, Mortgages, Mortgage-backed and Asset-backed Securities, at Fair Value Mortgages, mortgage-backed, and asset-backed Receivables [Abstract] Other receivables Gross Other Receivables Total other receivable The aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of customer, broker-dealer, Interest and other receivables. Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Other payables Payables to Customers Customers Payables to Broker-Dealers and Clearing Organizations Brokers and dealers Gross Other Payables Total other payables The aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of customer, broker-dealer, Interest and other payables. Trading Assets Excluding Derivative Contracts Trading assets, excluding derivative contracts The aggregate fair value as of the balance sheet date of financial instruments and other positions owned by the entity including: (1) mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset backed securities; (2) US government and agency obligations; (3) state and municipal government obligations; (4) other sovereign government debt; (5) corporate obligations; (6) corporate equities; (7) principal investments; and (8) physical commodities. Includes both pledged and unpledged holdings. Increase Decrease In Trading Assets Trading assets The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of trading assets from the reporting entity's trading activities. Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash and Investments for Operating Activities Cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing organizations Increase (Decrease) in Receivables under Repurchase Agreements Receivables under resale agreements Increase (Decrease) in Securities Borrowed Receivables under securities borrowed transactions Increase Decrease In Receivables From Customers Customer receivables The increase (decrease) in the amount due from customers for fees and charges arising from transactions related to the entity's brokerage activities and operations. Increase (Decrease) in Payables under Repurchase Agreements Payables under repurchase agreements Increase (Decrease) in Payables to Customers Customer payables Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Derivative financing transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Transactions with Bank of America Transactions with Bank of America [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholder's Equity and Earnings Per Share Stockholder's Equity and Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Financial Instruments, Owned and Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value Trading assets, pledged as collateral Proceeds from Sale of Loans Held-for-sale Proceeds from loans, notes, and mortgages held for sale Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Investment securities, at fair value Loans Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Loans, notes, and mortgages, at fair value Securities Loaned or Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Fair Value Disclosure Payables under repurchase agreements, at fair value Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Interest and other, at fair value Proceeds from Sale of Loans and Leases Held-for-investment Loans, notes, and mortgages held for investment Federal Funds Sold and Securities Borrowed or Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Fair Value Disclosure Receivables under resale agreements, at fair value Asset Management Fees Managed account and other fee-based revenues Provision For Representations And Warranties Provision for representations and warranties Provision for representations and warranties made in connection with the sales of mortgage and home equity loans. As a noncash item, this amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Minority Interest, and Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Pre-tax (loss) earnings Stockholders' Equity Total Stockholder's Equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity Increase (Decrease) in Receivables from Brokers-Dealers and Clearing Organizations Brokers and dealers receivables Increase (Decrease) in Securities Loaned Transactions Payables under securities loaned transactions Increase (Decrease) in Payables to Broker-Dealers and Clearing Organizations Brokers and dealers payables Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) [Abstract] Principal Transactions Revenue Principal transactions Noninterest Income, Other Other revenues Interest and Dividend Income, Operating Interest and dividend revenues Labor and Related Expense Compensation and benefits Communications and Information Technology Communications and technology Floor Brokerage, Exchange and Clearance Fees Brokerage, clearing, and exchange fees Marketing and Advertising Expense Advertising and market development Supplies and Postage Expense Office supplies and postage Other Noninterest Expense Other Dividends, Preferred Stock Preferred stock dividends Due from Related Parties Receivables from Bank of America Receivables from Brokers-Dealers and Clearing Organizations Brokers and dealers Deposits Deposits Derivative Liabilities Derivative contracts Due to Related Parties Payables to Bank of America Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Depreciation and amortization Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation expense Increase (Decrease) in Due to Related Parties Payables to Bank of America Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Sales of available-for-sale securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of available-for-sale securities Payments for (Proceeds from) Productive Assets Equipment and facilities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other investments Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Issuance and resale of long-term borrowings Repayments of Long-term Debt Settlement and repurchases of long-term borrowings Increase (Decrease) in Deposits Deposits Interest Paid, Net Interest paid Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information. Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Held-to-maturity Securities Maturities of held-to-maturity securities Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term borrowings, at fair value Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell Receivables under resale agreements (includes $89,119 in 2011 and $74,255 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) Receivables from Customers Customers (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $15 in 2011 and $8 in 2010) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Equipment and facilities, net Other Liabilities Interest and other (includes $189 in 2011 and $165 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Net unrealized (loss) gain on investment securities available-for-sale Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Net deferred gain (loss) on cash flow hedges Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Noncash Capital Contribution Non-cash capital contribution Non cash capital contribution. Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Non-cash investing and financing activities: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Reported Amount Loans, notes, and mortgages (net of allowances for loan losses of $90 in 2011 and $170 in 2010) (includes $2,399 in 2011 and $3,190 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Commercial paper and short-term borrowings Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Earnings from equity method investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions, Total Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Earnings from equity method investments Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net earnings (loss) applicable to common stockholder Interest Income (Expense), Net Net interest income (expense) Securities Borrowed Receivables under securities borrowed transactions (includes $1,543 in 2011 and $1,672 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract] Trading assets, at fair value (includes securities pledged as collateral that can be sold or repledged of $42,251 in 2011 and $33,933 in 2010): Short-term Borrowings Short-term borrowings (includes $5,527 in 2011 and $6,472 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) Long-term Debt Long-term borrowings (includes $31,021 in 2011 and $39,214 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) Common Stock, Value Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents