Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2010
Income Taxes
Disputed IRS Statutory Notice Amount	$ 892

Represents the total liability for taxes, penalties and interest related to the disallowance of foreign tax credits and other deductions claimed by a deconsolidated subsidiary in connection with a financing transaction by the IRS.

No definition available.

Name:	bbt_DisputedIrsStatutoryNoticeAmount
Namespace Prefix:	bbt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant