AFS and HTM Debt Securities, Realized Gains and Losses (Details) - Debt securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Gross realized gains	$ 29	$ 53	$ 202	$ 74
Gross realized losses	(2)	(4)	(5)	(14)
OTTI write-downs	(7)	(8)	(52)	(18)
Net realized gains from available-for-sale debt securities	$ 20	$ 41	$ 145	$ 42

This item represents the total realized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period as a result of selling marketable securities categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Additionally, this item would include any losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the subject investments in debt and equity securities.

No definition available.

Name:	wfc_MarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturitySecuritiesRealizedGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	wfc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration