Goodwill by Business Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Mar. 31, 2012 Investment Management		Mar. 31, 2011 Investment Management		Mar. 31, 2012 Investment Services		Mar. 31, 2011 Investment Services		Mar. 31, 2012 Other Operating Segment		Mar. 31, 2011 Other Operating Segment	Dec. 31, 2010 Other Operating Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 17,904		$ 18,042		$ 9,373		$ 9,359		$ 8,491		$ 8,643		$ 40		$ 40	$ 40
Foreign exchange translation	99		116		59		53		40		63
Other	(1)	[1]	(2)	[1]	(1)	[1]	(1)	[1]	(10)	[1]	(1)	[1]	10	[1]
Ending Balance	$ 18,002		$ 18,156		$ 9,431		$ 9,411		$ 8,521		$ 8,705		$ 50		$ 40	$ 40

[1] Other changes in goodwill include purchase price adjustments and certain other reclassifications.