Allowance for Credit Losses (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Allowance for Credit Losses
Troubled debt restructuring charge-offs at date of modification	$ 4	$ 5

The reduction in the allowance for credit losses related to financing receivables deemed uncollectible during the period related to financing receivables modified during the period

No definition available.

Name:	bbt_TroubledDebtRestructuringModificationsAllowanceForCreditLossesChargeOffs
Namespace Prefix:	bbt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration