Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized in Noninterest Expense (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock-based compensation expense:
Stock options	$ 0us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense	$ 1us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense
Restricted Stock Expense	6us-gaap_RestrictedStockExpense	8us-gaap_RestrictedStockExpense
Restricted stock units	18sti_RestrictedStockUnitExpense	14sti_RestrictedStockUnitExpense
Total stock-based compensation expense	24us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	23us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	$ 9	$ 9

Restricted Stock Unit Expense

No definition available.

Name:	sti_RestrictedStockUnitExpense
Namespace Prefix:	sti_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Disclosure of the aggregate tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options and the conversion of similar instruments during the annual period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (j)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The noncash expense that represents the cost of restricted stock or unit distributed to employees as compensation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestrictedStockExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock or unit options distributed to employees as compensation.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration