| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 16, 2019 |
| Entity Addresses [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 16, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | E*TRADE Financial Corporation |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-11921 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-2844166 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 671 N. Glebe Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Arlington |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 22203 |
| City Area Code | 646 |
| Local Phone Number | 521-4340 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001015780 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ETFC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Former Address [Member] | |
| Entity Addresses [Line Items] | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 11 Times Square |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10036 |
