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
Mar. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount $ 1,800 $ 2,000
Total net credit default protection [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount 1,838 [1] 2,041 [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 238 [1] 268 [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 12.90% [1] 13.10% [1]
A [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount 983 [1] 1,034 [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 53.50% [1] 50.60% [1]
BBB [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount 434 [1] 530 [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 23.60% [1] 26.00% [1]
BB [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount 80 [1] 86 [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 4.40% [1] 4.20% [1]
B [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount 30 [1] 30 [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 1.60% [1] 1.50% [1]
CCC and Below [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating [Abstract]    
Notional amount $ 73 [1] $ 93 [1]
Notional amount, as percent of total 4.00% [1] 4.60% [1]
Commercial Loan [Member]
    
Net Credit Default Protection by Maturity Profile [Abstract]    
Less than or equal to one year 27.00% 25.00%
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years 73.00% 75.00%
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.