Benefit Plans (Activity of plan assets with significant unobservable fair value inputs) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, December 31,	$ 2,934	[1],[2],[3]	$ 2,462	[1],[2],[3]
Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, January 1,	99		124		92
Actual return on plan assets	7		9		9
Purchases, sales and settlements	(8)		(34)		23
Fair value of plan assets, December 31,	$ 98		$ 99		$ 124

[1] Includes 3.7 million and 3.6 million shares of BB&T common stock valued at $107 million and $92 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

[2] Includes a common/commingled fund that consists of assets from several accounts, pooled together, to reduce management and administration costs.

[3] Excludes accrued income of $18 million and $16 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.