Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	$ 339,315		$ 187,927	$ 2,216,958		$ 473,426
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS), NET OF TAX
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedge derivative financial instruments	(1,119)		14,225	6,641		25,054
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities	46,127		(208,729)	128,988		(272,868)
Pension and post-retirement actuarial gain	273	[1]	549	835	[1]	1,098
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME	45,281		(193,955)	136,464		(246,716)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)	384,596		(6,028)	2,353,422		226,710
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	136,473		0	244,213		0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHUSA	$ 248,123		$ (6,028)	$ 2,109,209		$ 226,710

[1] Included in the computation of net periodic pension costs.