Taxes on Income - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Possible reduction of income tax expense from continuing operations, net of federal tax benefit, if uncertain tax matters are resolved in favor of the company	$ 9

Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reasonably Possible Decreases Resulting From Settlements With Taxing Authorities

No definition available.

Name:	schw_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReasonablyPossibleDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities
Namespace Prefix:	schw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration