Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Dividends on common stock, cash paid (usd per share)	$ 0.34	$ 0.31	$ 0.31	$ 0.96	$ 0.93
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation shareholders’ equity	$ 43,601			$ 43,601			$ 45,801
Common stock
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation shareholders’ equity	$ 39,060	$ 40,740	$ 40,385	$ 39,060	$ 40,385	$ 40,413	$ 41,260	$ 39,165	$ 37,941