Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statement (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation shareholders	$ 312	$ (736)	$ 809	$ (696)	$ 1,156