Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Unrealized loss on impaired securities, pre-tax	$ 41	$ 57

Represents the unrealized net losses on securities available for sale, on a pre-tax basis, where a portion of the loss was recognized in other than comprehensive income.

No definition available.

Name:	bbt_UnrealizedLossesOnImpairedSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	bbt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant