Fair Value Disclosures - Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring - Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Carrying Value
Impaired loans	$ 329	$ 149
Foreclosed real estate	66	82
Valuation Adjustments
Impaired loans	(38)	(30)
Foreclosed real estate	$ (54)	$ (190)

Foreclosed real estate, excluding foreclosed real estate acquired from FDIC, measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that were still held on the balance sheet. Foreclosed real estate is classified as Level 3 assets.

No definition available.

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