Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Summary of Changes in Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 8,285	[1]
Other adjustments to goodwill	(72)	[1],[2]
Goodwill, Ending Balance	9,163	[1]
Other intangible assets, beginning balance	1,859
Amortization expense	(239)		(249)
Other intangible assets, ending balance	1,778
RBC Bank Usa Acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
RBC Bank (USA) Acquisition - Goodwill	950	[2]
Customer Related and Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, beginning balance	742
Amortization expense	(125)
Other intangible assets, ending balance	781
Customer Related and Other Intangible Assets [Member] | RBC Bank Usa Acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
RBC Bank (USA) Acquisition - Other Intangible Assets	164
Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, beginning balance	1,117
Change in valuation allowance	4
Amortization expense	(114)
Mortgage servicing rights - Other	(26)
Other intangible assets, ending balance	997
Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member] | RBC Bank Usa Acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
RBC Bank (USA) Acquisition - Other Intangible Assets	$ 16

[1] Primarily related to correction of amount for an acquisition affecting prior periods.

[2] The Non-Strategic Assets Portfolio business segment does not have any goodwill allocated to it.