Condensed Statements of Earnings (LP) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Interest income:
Earnings	$ 13,531	$ 13,531	$ 40,593	$ 40,593
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING III, L.P.
Interest income:
Affiliate debentures	15,760	15,760	47,279	47,279
U.S. Government and agencies	6	3	17	12
Earnings	$ 15,766	$ 15,763	$ 47,296	$ 47,291

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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+ Details