Intangible Assets by Business Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		$ 5,152			$ 5,152		$ 5,696
Acquisitions							12
Amortization	(97)	(96)	(108)		(193)		(216)
Foreign exchange translation					3		26
Impairment							(6)
Other							2	[1]
Ending Balance	4,962		5,514		4,962		5,514
Investment Management
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		2,382			2,382		2,592
Amortization					(96)		(108)
Foreign exchange translation					4		16
Ending Balance	2,290		2,500		2,290		2,500
Investment Services
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		1,922			1,922		2,113	[2]
Acquisitions							12	[2]
Amortization					(97)		(100)	[2]
Foreign exchange translation					(1)		10	[2]
Impairment							(6)	[2]
Other					(1)	[1]	2	[1],[2]
Ending Balance	1,823		2,031	[2]	1,823		2,031	[2]
Other Operating Segment
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		848			848		991	[2]
Amortization							(8)	[2]
Other					1	[1]
Ending Balance	$ 849		$ 983	[2]	$ 849		$ 983	[2]

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

[2] Includes the reclassification of intangible assets associated with the Shareowner Services business from Investment Services to the Other segment.