BlackRock (BLK) 10-K27 Feb 152014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	BLK
Entity Registrant Name	BlackRock Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1364742
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		165,405,059
Entity Public Float			$52.60

Consolidated_Statements_of_Fin

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,723	$4,390
Accounts receivable	2,120	2,247
Investments	1,921	2,151
Separate account assets	161,287	155,113
Separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	33,654	21,788
Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $587 and $611 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	467	525
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $1,040 and $1,057 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	17,344	17,501
Goodwill	12,961	12,980
Other assets	701	692
Total assets	239,808	219,873
Liabilities
Accrued compensation and benefits	1,865	1,747
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,035	1,084
Borrowings	4,938	4,939
Separate account liabilities	161,287	155,113
Separate account collateral liabilities under securities lending agreements	33,654	21,788
Deferred income tax liabilities	4,989	5,085
Other liabilities	886	1,004
Total liabilities	212,288	193,203
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Temporary equity
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	35	54
Permanent Equity
Common stock, $ 0.01 par value; Shares authorized: 500,000,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013; Shares issued: 171,252,185 at December 31, 2014 and 2013; Shares outstanding: 164,786,788 and 166,589,688 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively;	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	19,386	19,473
Retained earnings	10,164	8,208
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-273	-35
Treasury stock, common, at cost (6,465,397 and 4,662,497 shares held at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	-1,894	-1,210
Total BlackRock, Inc. stockholders' equity	27,366	26,460
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	104	135
Total permanent equity	27,485	26,616
Total liabilities, temporary equity and permanent equity	239,808	219,873
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	278	161
Bank loans, other investments and other assets	3,352	2,325
Liabilities
Borrowings	3,389	2,369
Other liabilities	245	74
Permanent Equity
Appropriated retained earnings	-19	22
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	15	21
Series B Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Permanent Equity
Preferred stock, value	0	0
Series C Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Permanent Equity
Preferred stock, value	$0	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Fin1

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$587	$611
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$1,040	$1,057
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	171,252,185	171,252,185
Common stock, shares outstanding	164,786,788	166,589,688
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01
Treasury stock, common shares	6,465,397	4,662,497
Series B Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	823,188	823,188
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	823,188	823,188
Series C Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	6,000,000	6,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	1,311,887	1,311,887
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	1,311,887	1,311,887

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue
Total investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue	$9,589	$8,739	$8,072
Investment advisory performance fees	550	561	463
BlackRock Solutions and advisory	635	577	518
Distribution fees	70	73	71
Other revenue	237	230	213
Total revenue	11,081	10,180	9,337
Expense
Employee compensation and benefits	3,829	3,560	3,287
Distribution and servicing costs	364	353	364
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	56	52	55
Direct fund expenses	748	657	591
General and administration	1,453	1,540	1,359
Amortization of intangible assets	157	161	157
Total expense	6,607	6,323	5,813
Operating income	4,474	3,857	3,524
Nonoperating income (expense)
Net gain (loss) on investments	165	305	163
Interest and dividend income	29	22	36
Interest expense	-232	-211	-215
Total nonoperating income (expense)	-79	116	-54
Income before income taxes	4,395	3,973	3,470
Income tax expense	1,131	1,022	1,030
Net income	3,264	2,951	2,440
Less:
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	2	-1	9
Net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	-32	20	-27
Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc.	3,294	2,932	2,458
Earnings per share attributable to BlackRock, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic	$19.58	$17.23	$14.03
Diluted	$19.25	$16.87	$13.79
Cash dividends declared and paid per share	$7.72	$6.72	$6
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	168,225,154	170,185,870	174,961,018
Diluted	171,112,261	173,828,902	178,017,679
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Nonoperating income (expense)
Net gain (loss) on consolidated variable interest entities	-41	0	-38
Related Parties [Member]
Revenue
Total investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue	6,738	5,991	5,292
Other Third Parties [Member]
Revenue
Total investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue	$2,851	$2,748	$2,780

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$3,264		$2,951		$2,440
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax	3	[1]	4	[1]	26	[1]
Less: reclassification adjustment included in net income	8	[1]	13	[1]	6	[1]
Net change from available-for-sale investments, net of tax	-5		-9		20
Benefit plans, net	-2	[1]	10	[1]	-5	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-231		23		53
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-238		24		68
Comprehensive income	3,026		2,975		2,508
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-30		19		-18
Comprehensive income attributable to BlackRock, Inc.	$3,056		$2,956		$2,526

[1]	The tax benefit (expense) was not material in 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $)	Total	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]		Retained Earnings [Member]	Appropriated Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Common Shares Held in Escrow [Member]	Treasury Stock Common [Member]	Total Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests of Consolidated VIEs [Member]	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests / Temporary Equity [Member]
In Millions	Total	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]		Retained Earnings [Member]	Appropriated Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Common Shares Held in Escrow [Member]	Treasury Stock Common [Member]	Total Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$25,270	$20,276	[1]	$5,046	$72	($127)	($1)	($218)	$25,048	$184	$38	$92	[2]
Net income	2,431	0	[1]	2,458	0	0	0	0	2,458	11	-38	9	[2]
Allocation of gains (losses) of consolidated collateralized loan obligations	0	0	[1]	0	-43	0	0	0	-43	0	43	0	[2]
Release of common stock from escrow	0	-1	[1]	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	[2]
Dividends paid	-1,060	0	[1]	-1,060	0	0	0	0	-1,060	0	0	0	[2]
Stock-based compensation	451	451	[1]	0	0	0	0	0	451	0	0	0	[2]
Merrill Lynch cash capital contribution	7	7	[1]	0	0	0	0	0	7	0	0	0	[2]
Issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions	56	-376	[1]	0	0	0	0	432	56	0	0	0	[2]
Employee tax withholdings related to employee stock transactions	-146	0	[1]	0	0	0	0	-146	-146	0	0	0	[2]
Shares repurchased	-1,500	-1,000	[1]	0	0	0	0	-500	-1,500	0	0	0	[2]
Net tax benefit (shortfall) from stock-based compensation	64	64	[1]	0	0	0	0	0	64	0	0	0	[2]
Subscriptions (redemptions/distributions) - noncontrolling interest holders	-43	0	[1]	0	0	0	0	0	0	-33	-10	343	[2]
Net consolidations (deconsolidations) of sponsored investment funds	-13	0	[1]	0	0	0	0	0	0	-7	-6	-412	[2]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	68	0	[1]	0	0	68	0	0	68	0	0	0	[2]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	25,585	19,421	[1],[3]	6,444	29	-59	0	-432	25,403	155	27	32	[2]
Net income	2,952	0	[3]	2,932	0	0		0	2,932	20	0	-1
Consolidation of a collateralized loan obligation	-4	0	[3]	0	-4	0		0	-4	0	0	0
Allocation of gains (losses) of consolidated collateralized loan obligations	0	0	[3]	0	-3	0		0	-3	0	3	0
Dividends paid	-1,168	0	[3]	-1,168	0	0		0	-1,168	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation	448	447	[3]	0	0	0		1	448	0	0	0
Issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions	35	-429	[3]	0	0	0		464	35	0	0	0
Employee tax withholdings related to employee stock transactions	-243	0	[3]	0	0	0		-243	-243	0	0	0
Shares repurchased	-1,000	0	[3]	0	0	0		-1,000	-1,000	0	0	0
Net tax benefit (shortfall) from stock-based compensation	36	36	[3]	0	0	0		0	36	0	0	0
Subscriptions (redemptions/distributions) - noncontrolling interest holders	66	0	[3]	0	0	0		0	0	-59	125	137
Net consolidations (deconsolidations) of sponsored investment funds	-115	0	[3]	0	0	0		0	0	19	-134	-114
Other comprehensive income (loss)	24	0	[3]	0	0	24		0	24	0	0	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	26,616	19,475	[3],[4]	8,208	22	-35		-1,210	26,460	135	21	54	[5]
Net income	3,262	0	[4]	3,294	0	0		0	3,294	9	-41	2	[5]
Allocation of gains (losses) of consolidated collateralized loan obligations	0	0	[4]	0	-41	0		0	-41	0	41	0	[5]
Dividends paid	-1,338	0	[4]	-1,338	0	0		0	-1,338	0	0	0	[5]
Stock-based compensation	453	453	[4]	0	0	0		0	453	0	0	0	[5]
Issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions	14	-646	[4]	0	0	0		660	14	0	0	0	[5]
Employee tax withholdings related to employee stock transactions	-344	0	[4]	0	0	0		-344	-344	0	0	0	[5]
Shares repurchased	-1,000	0	[4]	0	0	0		-1,000	-1,000	0	0	0	[5]
Net tax benefit (shortfall) from stock-based compensation	106	106	[4]	0	0	0		0	106	0	0	0	[5]
Subscriptions (redemptions/distributions) - noncontrolling interest holders	-46	0	[4]	0	0	0		0	0	-40	-6	248	[5]
Net consolidations (deconsolidations) of sponsored investment funds	0	0	[4]	0	0	0		0	0	0	0	-269	[5]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-238	0	[4]	0	0	-238		0	-238	0	0	0	[5]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$27,485	$19,388	[4]	$10,164	($19)	($273)		($1,894)	$27,366	$104	$15	$35	[5]

[1]	Amount includes $2 million and $1 million of common stock at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
[2]	Amounts include $89 million of redemptions and $89 million of net consolidations related to consolidated variable interest entities ("VIEs").
[3]	Amounts include $2 million of common stock at both December 31, 2013 and 2012.
[4]	Amounts include $2 million of common stock at both December 31, 2014 and 2013.
[5]	Amounts include $75 million of redemptions and $75 million of net consolidations related to consolidated VIEs.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Additional Paid-in Capital, value of stock	$2	$2	$2	$1
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests / Temporary Equity [Member]
Redemptions	75	89
Net consolidations related to VIEs	$75	$89

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$3,264	$2,951	$2,440
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	278	291	295
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	56	52	55
Stock-based compensation	453	448	451
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-104	-193	-61
Net (gains) losses on nontrading investments	-37	-73	-43
Purchases of investments within consolidated sponsored investment funds	-160	-195	-108
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments within consolidated sponsored investment funds	137	145	96
Gain related to PennyMac initial public offering	0	-39	0
Gain related to the charitable contribution	0	-80	0
Charitable contribution	0	124	0
Assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs:
Change in cash and cash equivalents	168	143	-24
Net (gains) losses within consolidated VIEs	41	0	38
Net (purchases) proceeds within consolidated VIEs	-599	142	-203
(Earnings) losses from equity method investees	-158	-158	-175
Distributions of earnings from equity method investees	57	80	42
Other adjustments	5	10	-4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	78	14	-292
Investments, trading	-416	-218	-664
Other assets	-1	-92	-10
Accrued compensation and benefits	101	203	138
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-69	7	114
Other liabilities	-13	80	155
Cash flows from operating activities	3,081	3,642	2,240
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of investments	-369	-412	-402
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments	654	286	695
Distributions of capital from equity method investees	143	83	73
Net consolidations (deconsolidations) of sponsored investment funds	-123	-48	-215
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	-298	-267
Purchases of property and equipment	-66	-94	-150
Cash flows from investing activities	239	-483	-266
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayments of short-term borrowings	0	-100	0
Repayments of long-term borrowings	-1,000	-750	-500
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	997	0	1,495
Cash dividends paid	-1,338	-1,168	-1,060
Proceeds from stock options exercised	4	28	47
Repurchases of common stock	-1,344	-1,243	-1,645
Net proceeds from (repayments of) borrowings by consolidated VIEs	512	-410	331
Net (redemptions/distributions paid)/subscriptions received from noncontrolling interest holders	202	203	300
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	106	41	74
Other financing activities	6	7	14
Cash flows from financing activities	-1,855	-3,392	-944
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-132	17	70
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,333	-216	1,100
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	4,390	4,606	3,506
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	5,723	4,390	4,606
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest	216	202	201
Interest on borrowings of consolidated VIEs	142	102	75
Income taxes (net of refunds)	1,227	1,064	976
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing transactions:
Issuance of common stock	646	429	378
Increase (decrease) in noncontrolling interests due to net consolidation (deconsolidation) of sponsored investment funds	-269	-229	-425
Increase (decrease) in borrowings due to consolidation of VIEs	$585	$363	$406

Introduction_and_Basis_of_Pres

Introduction and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
Introduction and Basis of Presentation	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Introduction and Basis of Presentation	1. Introduction and Basis of Presentation
	Business. BlackRock, Inc. (together, with its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise indicates, “BlackRock” or the “Company”) is a leading publicly traded investment management firm providing a broad range of investment and risk management services to institutional and retail clients worldwide.
	BlackRock’s diverse platform of active (alpha) and index (beta) investment strategies across asset classes enables the Company to tailor investment outcomes and asset allocation solutions for clients. Product offerings include single- and multi-asset class portfolios investing in equities, fixed income, alternatives and money market instruments. Products are offered directly and through intermediaries in a variety of vehicles, including open-end and closed-end mutual funds, iShares® exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), separate accounts, collective investment funds and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers the BlackRock Solutions® investment and risk management technology platform, Aladdin®, risk analytics and advisory services and solutions to a broad base of institutional investors.
	At December 31, 2014, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) held 21.0% of the Company’s voting common stock and 22.0% of the Company’s capital stock, which includes outstanding common and nonvoting preferred stock.
	Basis of Presentation. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statements of financial condition represents the portion of consolidated sponsored investment funds in which the Company does not have direct equity ownership. Accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Certain items previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	2. Significant Accounting Policies
	Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents primarily consists of cash, money market funds and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less in which the Company is exposed to market and credit risk. Cash and cash equivalent balances that are legally restricted from use by the Company are recorded in other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Cash balances maintained by consolidated sponsored investment funds are not considered legally restricted and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Cash balances maintained by consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) are included in assets of consolidated variable interest entities on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
	Investments. Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities. BlackRock classifies debt and marketable equity investments as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity based on the Company’s intent to sell the security or, for a debt security, the Company’s intent and ability to hold the debt security to maturity.
	Trading securities are those investments that are purchased principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Trading securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition with changes in fair value recorded in nonoperating income (expense) on the consolidated statements of income in the period of the change.
	Held-to-maturity debt securities are purchased with the positive intent and ability to be held to maturity and are recorded at amortized cost on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
	Available-for-sale securities are those securities that are not classified as trading or held-to-maturity. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition with changes in fair value recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component of stockholders’ equity in the period of the change. Upon the disposition of an available-for-sale security, the Company reclassifies the gain or loss on the security from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to nonoperating income (expense) on the consolidated statements of income.
	Equity Method. For equity investments where BlackRock does not control the investee, and where it is not the primary beneficiary (“PB”) of a VIE, but can exert significant influence over the financial and operating policies of the investee, the Company follows the equity method of accounting. BlackRock’s share of the investee’s underlying net income or loss is recorded as net gain (loss) on investments within nonoperating income (expense) and as other revenue for certain strategic investments since such companies are considered to be an extension of BlackRock’s core business. BlackRock’s share of net income of the investee is recorded based upon the most current information available at the time, which may precede the date of the consolidated statement of financial condition. Distributions received from the investment reduce the Company’s carrying value of the investee and the cost basis if deemed to be a return of capital.
	Cost Method. For nonmarketable equity investments where BlackRock neither controls nor has significant influence over the investee, the investments are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. Dividends received from the investment are recorded as dividend income within nonoperating income (expense).
	Impairments of Investments. Management periodically assesses equity method, available-for-sale, held-to-maturity and cost investments for impairment. If circumstances indicate that impairment may exist, investments are evaluated using market values, where available, or the expected future cash flows of the investment. If the undiscounted expected future cash flows are lower than the Company’s carrying value of the investment and the Company determines an impairment exists, an impairment charge is recorded on the consolidated statement of income.
	When the fair value of available-for-sale securities is lower than cost, the Company evaluates the securities to determine whether the impairment is considered “other-than-temporary.”
	In making this determination for equity securities, the Company considers, among other factors, the length of time the security has been in a loss position, the extent to which the security’s market value is less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the security’s issuer and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a length of time sufficient to allow for recovery of such unrealized losses. If the impairment is considered other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in nonoperating income (expense) on the consolidated statements of income.
	In making this determination for debt securities, the Company considers whether: (1) it has the intent to sell the security; (2) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery; or (3) it expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If the Company does not intend to sell a security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security but the security has suffered a credit loss, the credit loss will be bifurcated from the total impairment and recorded in earnings with the remaining portion recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	Consolidation. For investment products in which BlackRock’s voting interest is less than 50%, an analysis is performed to determine if the investment product is a VIE or a voting rights entity.
	Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. Certain investment products for which a controlling financial interest is achieved through arrangements that do not involve or are not directly linked to voting interests are deemed VIEs. BlackRock reviews factors, including whether the entity has equity that is sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated support from other parties and the rights and obligations of the equity holders to receive expected residual returns or absorb expected losses, to determine if the investment product is a VIE. BlackRock continuously evaluates such factors as facts and circumstances change. BlackRock is required to consolidate a VIE when it is deemed to be the PB.
	The Company uses two methods for determining whether it is the PB of VIEs in accordance with current accounting guidance depending on the nature and characteristics of the VIE. For collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), the Company is deemed to be PB if it has the power to direct activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that potentially could be significant to the VIE. For certain sponsored investment funds, including money markets, the Company is deemed to be the PB, if it absorbs the majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both.
	Consolidation of Voting Rights Entities. To the extent that BlackRock can exert control over the financial and operating policies of the investee, which generally exists if there is a 50% or greater voting interest or if partners or members of certain products do not have substantive rights, BlackRock consolidates the investee.
	The Company, as general partner or managing member of certain sponsored investment funds, generally is presumed to control funds that are limited partnerships or limited liability companies. The Company reviews such investment vehicles to determine if such a presumption can be overcome by determining whether other nonaffiliated partners or members of the limited partnership or limited liability company have the substantive ability to dissolve (liquidate) the investment vehicle, or to otherwise remove BlackRock as the general partner or managing member without cause based on an unaffiliated simple majority vote, or have other substantive participating rights. If the presumption of control is not overcome, BlackRock will consolidate the investment vehicle.
	Retention of Specialized Accounting Principles. Upon consolidation of certain sponsored investment funds, the Company retains the specialized accounting principles of the underlying funds. All of the underlying investments held by such consolidated sponsored investment funds are carried at fair value with corresponding changes in the investments’ fair values reflected in nonoperating income (expense) on the consolidated statements of income. When the Company no longer controls these funds due to reduced ownership percentage or other reasons, the funds are deconsolidated and accounted for under another accounting method if the Company still maintains an investment.
	Separate Account Assets and Liabilities. Separate account assets are maintained by BlackRock Life Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, which is a registered life insurance company in the United Kingdom, and represent segregated assets held for purposes of funding individual and group pension contracts. The life insurance company does not underwrite any insurance contracts that involve any insurance risk transfer from the insured to the life insurance company. The separate account assets primarily include equity securities, debt securities, money market funds and derivatives. The separate account assets are not subject to general claims of the creditors of BlackRock. These separate account assets and the related equal and offsetting liabilities are recorded as separate account assets and separate account liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
	The net investment income attributable to separate account assets supporting individual and group pension contracts accrues directly to the contract owner and is not reported on the consolidated statements of income. While BlackRock has no economic interest in these separate account assets and liabilities, BlackRock earns policy administration and management fees associated with these products, which are included in investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue on the consolidated statements of income.
	Separate Account Collateral Assets Held and Liabilities Under Securities Lending Agreements. The Company facilitates securities lending arrangements whereby securities held by separate accounts maintained by BlackRock Life Limited are lent to third parties under global master securities lending agreements. In exchange, the Company receives collateral with minimum values generally ranging from approximately 102% to 112% of the value of the securities lent in order to reduce counterparty risk. The required collateral value is calculated on a daily basis. The global master securities lending agreements provide the Company the right to request additional collateral or, in the event of borrower default, the right to liquidate collateral. Under the Company’s securities lending arrangements, the Company can resell or repledge the collateral and the borrower can resell or repledge the loaned securities. The securities lending transactions entered into by the Company are accompanied by an agreement that entitles the Company to request the borrower to return the securities at any time; therefore, these transactions are not reported as sales.
	As a result of the Company’s ability to resell or repledge the collateral, the Company records on the consolidated statements of financial condition the cash and noncash collateral received under these BlackRock Life Limited securities lending arrangements as its own asset in addition to an equal and offsetting collateral liability for the obligation to return the collateral. During 2014 and 2013, the Company had not resold or repledged any of the collateral received under these arrangements. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of loaned securities held by separate accounts was approximately $30.6 billion and $19.7 billion, respectively, and the fair value of the collateral held under these securities lending agreements was approximately $33.7 billion and $21.8 billion, respectively.
	Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is generally determined by cost less any estimated residual value using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of property and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term.
	BlackRock develops a variety of risk management, investment analytic and investment system services for internal use, utilizing proprietary software that is hosted and maintained by BlackRock. The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use. Capitalized software costs are included within property and equipment on the consolidated statements of financial condition and are amortized, beginning when the software project is put into production, over the estimated useful life of the software of approximately three years.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill represents the cost of a business acquisition in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired. In its assessment of goodwill for impairment, the Company considers such factors as the book value and market capitalization of the Company. On a quarterly basis, the Company considers if triggering events have occurred that may indicate a potential goodwill impairment. If a triggering event has occurred, the Company performs assessments, which may include reviews of significant valuation assumptions, to determine if goodwill may be impaired. The Company performs an impairment assessment of its goodwill at least annually as of July 31st.
	Intangible assets are comprised of indefinite-lived intangible assets and finite-lived intangible assets acquired in a business acquisition. The value of contracts to manage assets in proprietary open-end funds and collective trust funds and certain other commingled products without a specified termination date is generally classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets. The assignment of indefinite lives to such contracts primarily is based upon the following: (i) the assumption that there is no foreseeable limit on the contract period to manage these products; (ii) the Company expects to, and has the ability to, continue to operate these products indefinitely; (iii) the products have multiple investors and are not reliant on a single investor or small group of investors for their continued operation; (iv) current competitive factors and economic conditions do not indicate a finite life; and (v) there is a high likelihood of continued renewal based on historical experience. In addition, trade names/trademarks are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets when they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely.
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill are not amortized. Finite-lived management contracts, which relate to acquired separate accounts and funds with a specified termination date, are amortized over their remaining useful lives.
	The Company performs assessments to determine if any intangible assets are potentially impaired and whether the indefinite-lived and finite-lived classifications are still appropriate. The carrying value of finite-lived management contracts and their remaining useful lives are reviewed at least annually to determine if circumstances exist which may indicate a potential impairment. The Company performs such impairment assessments of its intangible assets including indefinite-lived management contracts and trade names/trademarks, at least annually, as of July 31st. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of indefinite-lived intangibles is less than its carrying value, BlackRock assesses various significant qualitative factors, including assets under management (“AUM”), revenue basis points, projected AUM growth rates, operating margins, tax rates and discount rates. In addition, the Company considers other factors, including (i) macroeconomic conditions such as a deterioration in general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, or other developments in equity and credit markets; (ii) industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which the entity operates, an increased competitive environment, a decline in market-dependent multiples or metrics, a change in the market for an entity’s services, or regulatory, legal or political developments; and (iii) entity-specific events, such as a change in management or key personnel, overall financial performance and litigation that could affect significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset.
	If potential impairment circumstances are considered to exist, the Company will perform an impairment test using an undiscounted cash flow analysis. Actual results could differ from these cash flow estimates, which could materially impact the impairment conclusion. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its current fair value would be recognized as an expense in the period in which the impairment occurs.
	Noncontrolling Interests. The Company reports noncontrolling interests as equity, separate from the parent’s equity, on the consolidated statements of financial condition. In addition, the Company’s consolidated net income on the consolidated statements of income includes the income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest holders of the Company’s consolidated sponsored investment funds and CLOs. Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is not adjusted for income taxes for consolidated sponsored investment funds and CLOs that are treated as pass-through entities for tax purposes.
	Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities. The Company includes redeemable noncontrolling interests related to certain consolidated sponsored investment funds in temporary equity on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
	Appropriated Retained Earnings. Upon the consolidation of CLOs, BlackRock records an adjustment to appropriated retained earnings on the consolidated statements of financial condition equal to the difference between the fair value of the CLOs’ assets and the fair value of their liabilities. Such amounts are recorded as appropriated retained earnings as the CLO noteholders ultimately will receive the benefits or absorb the losses associated with the CLOs’ assets and liabilities. The net change in the fair value of the CLOs’ assets and liabilities is recorded as net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests and as a change to appropriated retained earnings.
	Treasury Stock. The Company records common stock purchased for treasury at cost. At the date of subsequent reissuance, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock using the average cost method.
	Revenue Recognition
	Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue. Investment advisory and administration fees are recognized as the services are performed. Such fees are primarily based on pre-determined percentages of the market value of AUM or committed capital. Investment advisory and administration fees are affected by changes in AUM, including market appreciation or depreciation, foreign exchange translation and net inflows or outflows. Investment advisory and administration fees for investment funds are shown net of fees waived pursuant to contractual expense limitations of the funds or voluntary waivers.
	The Company contracts with third parties and related parties for various mutual fund distribution and shareholder servicing to be performed on behalf of certain funds the Company manages. Such arrangements generally are priced as a portion of the management fee paid by the fund. In certain cases, the fund (primarily international funds) takes on the primary responsibility for payment for services such that the Company bears no credit risk to the third party. The Company accounts for such retrocession arrangements in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605-45, Revenue Recognition – Principal Agent Considerations, and records its management fees net of retrocessions. Retrocessions for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $891 million, $785 million and $793 million, respectively, and were reflected net in investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue on the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company also earns revenue by lending securities as an agent on behalf of clients, primarily to brokerage institutions. Revenue is accounted for on an accrual basis. The revenue earned is shared between the Company and the funds or other third-party accounts managed by the Company from which the securities are borrowed.
	Investment Advisory Performance Fees / Carried Interest. The Company receives investment advisory performance fees or incentive allocations from certain actively managed investment funds and certain separately managed accounts (“SMAs”). These performance fees are dependent upon exceeding specified relative or absolute investment return thresholds. Such fees are recorded upon completion of the measurement period, which varies by product or account, and could be monthly, quarterly, annually or longer.
	In addition, the Company receives carried interest from certain alternative investment products upon exceeding performance thresholds. BlackRock may be required to return all, or part, of such carried interest depending upon future performance of these funds. Therefore, BlackRock records carried interest subject to such clawback provisions in investments or cash, to the extent that it is distributed, on its consolidated statements of financial condition. Carried interest is recorded as performance fee revenue upon the earlier of the termination of the investment fund or when the likelihood of clawback is considered mathematically improbable.
	The Company records a deferred carried interest liability to the extent it receives cash or capital allocations related to carried interest prior to meeting the revenue recognition criteria. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $105 million and $108 million, respectively, of deferred carried interest recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. The ultimate recognition of performance fee revenue, if any, for these products is unknown.
	BlackRock Solutions and Advisory. BlackRock provides a variety of risk management, investment analytic, enterprise investment system and financial markets advisory services to financial institutions, pension funds, asset managers, foundations, consultants, mutual fund sponsors, real estate investment trusts and government agencies. These services are provided under the brand name BlackRock Solutions and include a wide array of risk management services, valuation of illiquid securities, disposition and workout assignments (including long-term portfolio liquidation assignments), strategic planning and execution, and enterprise investment system outsourcing to clients. Fees earned for BlackRock Solutions and advisory services are recorded as services are performed and are determined using some, or all, of the following methods: (i) percentages of various attributes of advisory AUM or value of positions on the Aladdin platform, (ii) fixed fees and (iii) performance fees if contractual thresholds are met. The fees earned for BlackRock Solutions and advisory services are recorded in BlackRock Solutions and advisory on the consolidated statements of income.
	Other Revenue. The Company earns fees for transition management services comprised of commissions from acting as an introducing broker-dealer in buying and selling securities on behalf of the Company’s customers. Commissions related to transition management services are recorded on a trade-date basis as securities transactions occur and are reflected in other revenue on the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company earns commissions revenue upon the sale of unit trusts and Class A mutual funds. Revenue is recorded at the time of the sale of the product.
	Other revenue also includes equity method investment earnings related to certain strategic investments and marketing fees earned for services to distribute iPath® products, which are exchange-traded notes issued by Barclays.

	Stock-based Compensation. Entities are required to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The compensation cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period) in exchange for the stock-based award.
	The Company measures the grant-date fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) using the Company’s share price on the date of grant. For employee share options and instruments with market conditions, the Company uses pricing models. If an equity award is modified after the grant date, incremental compensation cost is recognized for an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. Awards under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans vest over various periods. Compensation cost is recorded by the Company on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separate vesting portion of the award as if the award is, in-substance, multiple awards. Compensation cost is reduced by the number of awards expected to be forfeited prior to vesting. Forfeiture estimates generally are derived using historical forfeiture information, where available, and are reviewed for reasonableness at least quarterly.
	The Company amortizes the grant-date fair value of stock-based compensation awards made to retirement-eligible employees over the requisite service period. Upon notification of retirement, the Company accelerates the unamortized portion of the award over the contractually required retirement notification period, if applicable.
	Distribution and Servicing Costs. Distribution and servicing costs include payments to third parties, primarily associated with distribution and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products. Distribution and servicing costs are expensed when incurred.
	Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions. The Company holds the rights to receive certain cash flows from sponsored mutual funds sold without a front-end sales charge (“back-end load shares”). The carrying value of these deferred mutual fund commissions is recorded within other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition and is being amortized over periods between one and six years. The Company receives distribution fees from these funds and contingent deferred sales commissions (“CDSCs”) upon shareholder redemption of certain back-end load shares that are recorded within distribution fees on the consolidated statements of income. Upon receipt of CDSCs, the Company records revenue and the remaining unamortized deferred sales commission is expensed.
	Direct Fund Expenses. Direct fund expenses, which are expensed as incurred, primarily consist of third-party nonadvisory expenses incurred by BlackRock related to certain funds for the use of certain index trademarks, reference data for certain indices, custodial services, fund administration, fund accounting, transfer agent services, shareholder reporting services, audit and tax services as well as other fund-related expenses directly attributable to the nonadvisory operations of the fund.
	Leases. The Company accounts for its operating leases, which may include escalation clauses, in accordance with ASC 840-10, Leases. The Company expenses the lease payments associated with operating leases evenly during the lease term (including rent-free periods) commencing when the Company obtains the right to control the use of the leased property.
	Foreign Exchange. Monetary assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries having non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at exchange rates at the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition. Nonmonetary assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries having non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity, on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in general and administration expense on the consolidated statements of income. For 2014, 2013 and 2012, the gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions were immaterial.
	Income Taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases using currently enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred income tax assets and liabilities is recognized on the consolidated statements of income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	Management periodically assesses the recoverability of its deferred income tax assets based upon expected future earnings, taxable income in prior carryback years, future deductibility of the asset, changes in applicable tax laws and other factors. If management determines that it is not more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be fully recoverable in the future, a valuation allowance will be established for the difference between the asset balance and the amount expected to be recoverable in the future. This allowance will result in additional income tax expense. Further, the Company records its income taxes receivable and payable based upon its estimated income tax position.
	Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation are recognized as additional paid-in capital and are reflected as financing cash flows on the consolidated statements of cash flows. If the Company does not have additional paid-in capital credits (cumulative tax benefits recorded to additional paid-in capital), the Company will record an expense for any deficit, or shortfall, between the recorded tax benefit and tax return benefit. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, BlackRock had excess additional paid-in capital credits to absorb potential future deficits between recorded tax benefits and tax return benefits.
	Earnings per Share (“EPS”). Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the determinants of basic EPS and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed using the treasury stock method.
	Due to the similarities in terms between BlackRock’s nonvoting participating preferred stock and the Company’s common stock, the Company considers its nonvoting participating preferred stock to be a common stock equivalent for purposes of EPS calculations. As such, the Company has included the outstanding nonvoting participating preferred stock in the calculation of average basic and diluted shares outstanding.
	Prior to 2013, the Company calculated EPS pursuant to the two-class method, which specifies that all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents are considered participating securities and should be included in the computation of EPS. The Company’s participating securities consisted of its unvested share-based payment awards that contained rights to nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents. The dilutive effect of participating securities was calculated under the more dilutive of either the treasury stock method or the two-class method. The Company’s remaining participating securities vested in January 2013.
	Business Segments. The Company’s management directs BlackRock’s operations as one business, the asset management business. As such, the Company operates in one business segment as defined in ASC 280-10, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280-10”).
	Fair Value Measurements.
	Hierarchy of Fair Value Inputs. The Company uses a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
	Level 1 Inputs:
	Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the reporting date.

	•	Level 1 assets may include listed mutual funds (including those accounted for under the equity method of accounting as these mutual funds are investment companies that have publicly available net asset values (“NAVs”), which in accordance with GAAP, are calculated under fair value measures and the changes in fair values are equal to the earnings of such funds), ETFs, listed equities and certain exchange-traded derivatives.
Level 2 Inputs:
Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities that are not active; quotes from pricing services or brokers for which the Company can determine that orderly transactions took place at the quoted price or that the inputs used to arrive at the price are observable; and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, such as models or other valuation methodologies. As a practical expedient, the Company uses the NAV (or its equivalent) of certain investments as their fair value.

	•	Level 2 assets may include debt securities, bank loans, short-term floating-rate notes, asset-backed securities, securities held within consolidated hedge funds, certain equity method limited partnership interests in hedge funds valued based on NAV (or its equivalent) where the Company has the ability to redeem at the measurement date or within the near term without redemption restrictions, restricted public securities valued at a discount, as well as over-the-counter derivatives, including interest and inflation rate swaps and foreign currency exchange contracts that have inputs to the valuations that generally can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 Inputs:
Unobservable inputs for the valuation of the asset or liability, which may include nonbinding broker quotes. Level 3 assets include investments for which there is little, if any, market activity. These inputs require significant management judgment or estimation. Certain investments that are valued using a NAV (or its equivalent) and are subject to current redemption restrictions that will not be lifted in the near term are included in Level 3.

	•	Level 3 assets may include general and limited partnership interests in private equity funds, funds of private equity funds, real estate funds, hedge funds, funds of hedge funds, direct private equity investments held within consolidated funds, bank loans and bonds.

	•	Level 3 liabilities include borrowings of consolidated CLOs valued based upon nonbinding single-broker quotes and contingent liabilities related to acquisitions valued based upon discounted cash flow analysis using unobservable market data.

	•	Level 3 inputs include BlackRock capital accounts for its partnership interests in various alternative investments, including distressed credit hedge funds, opportunistic funds, real estate and private equity funds, which may be adjusted by using the returns of certain market indices.
Significance of Inputs. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.
Valuation Techniques. The fair values of certain Level 3 assets and liabilities were determined using various methodologies as appropriate, including NAVs of underlying investments, third-party pricing vendors, broker quotes and market and income approaches. Such quotes and modeled prices are evaluated for reasonableness through various procedures, including due diligence reviews of third-party pricing vendors, variance analyses, consideration of the current market environment and other analytical procedures.
As a practical expedient, the Company uses NAV as the fair value for certain investments. The inputs to value these investments may include BlackRock capital accounts for its partnership interests in various alternative investments, including distressed credit hedge funds, opportunistic funds, real estate and private equity funds, which may be adjusted by using the returns of certain market indices. The various partnerships generally are investment companies, which record their underlying investments at fair value based on fair value policies established by management of the underlying fund. Fair value policies at the underlying fund generally require the fund to utilize pricing/valuation information from third-party sources, including independent appraisals. However, in some instances, current valuation information for illiquid securities or securities in markets that are not active may not be available from any third-party source or fund management may conclude that the valuations that are available from third-party sources are not reliable. In these instances, fund management may perform model-based analytical valuations that may be used as an input to value these investments.
A significant number of inputs used to value equity, debt securities and bank loans is sourced from third-party pricing vendors. Generally, prices obtained from pricing vendors are categorized as Level 1 inputs for identical securities traded in active markets and as Level 2 for other similar securities if the vendor uses observable inputs in determining the price. Annually, BlackRock’s internal valuation committee or other designated groups review both the valuation methodologies, including the general assumptions and methods used to value various asset classes, and operational processes with these vendors. On a quarterly basis, meetings are held with key vendors to identify any significant changes to the vendors’ processes.
In addition, quotes obtained from brokers generally are nonbinding and categorized as Level 3 inputs. However, if the Company is able to determine that market participants have transacted for the asset in an orderly manner near the quoted price or if the Company can determine that the inputs used by the broker are observable, the quote is classified as a Level 2 input.
Fair Value Option. The Company applies the fair value option provisions for eligible assets and liabilities, including bank loans and borrowings, held by consolidated CLOs to mitigate accounting mismatches between the carrying value of the assets and liabilities and to achieve operational simplification. To the extent there is a difference between the change in fair value of the assets and liabilities, the difference is reflected as net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statements of income and offset by a change in appropriated retained earnings on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company may use derivative financial instruments primarily for purposes of hedging exposures to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates of certain assets and liabilities, and market exposures for certain seed investments. The Company may also use derivatives within its separate account assets, which are segregated funds held for purposes of funding individual and group pension contracts. In addition, certain consolidated sponsored investment funds may also invest in derivatives as a part of their investment strategy.
Changes in the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments are generally recognized in earnings and, where applicable, are offset by the corresponding gain or loss on the related foreign-denominated assets or liabilities or hedged investments, on the consolidated statements of income.
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2014
Cumulative Translation Adjustment. In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity (“ASU 2013-05”). ASU 2013-05 addresses the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 on January 1, 2014 was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Investment Company Guidance. In June 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-08, Financial Services – Investment Companies: Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements (“ASU 2013-08”). ASU 2013-08 amends the current criteria for an entity to qualify as an investment company, creates new disclosure requirements and amends the measurement criteria for certain interests in other investment companies. The adoption of ASU 2013-08 on January 1, 2014 was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit. In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). The adoption of ASU 2013-11 on January 1, 2014 was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09, which is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017.
Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis and Measuring the Financial Assets and the Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-13, Measuring the Financial Assets and the Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity (“ASU 2014-13”). ASU 2014-13 provides an entity that consolidates a collateralized financing entity (“CFE”) that had elected the fair value option for the financial assets and financial liabilities of such CFE an alternative to current fair value measurement guidance. If elected, the Company could measure both the financial assets and the financial liabilities of the CFE by using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities. The election would effectively eliminate any measurement difference previously recorded as net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests and as an adjustment to appropriated retained earnings.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”), which significantly amends the consolidation analysis required under current consolidation guidance. The amendments include changes to: (i) the VIE analysis for limited partnerships; (ii) the criteria for evaluating whether fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider are a variable interest; (iii) the effect of fee arrangements on the PB determination; (iv) the effect of related parties on the PB determination; and (v) the consolidation evaluation for certain investment funds. This includes a scope exception for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds.
ASU 2014-13 and ASU 2015-02 are effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, with retrospective or modified retrospective approach required. ASU 2014-13 permits early adoption as of the beginning of an annual period. ASU 2015-02 permits early adoption in an interim period with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact to the consolidated financial statements of adopting all of the provisions of ASU 2015-02 and ASU 2014-13.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
Investments	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	3. Investments
	A summary of the carrying value of total investments is as follows:


	(in millions)		December 31,				December 31,
	(in millions)		2014				2013
	Available-for-sale investments		$	201			$	183
	Held-to-maturity investments			79				83
	Trading investments:
	Consolidated sponsored investment funds			443				385
	Other equity and debt securities			29				43
	Deferred compensation plan mutual funds			64				58
	Total trading investments			536				486
	Other investments:
	Consolidated sponsored investment funds			270				441
	Equity method investments			633				697
	Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			21				39
	Cost method investments(1)			96				119
	Carried interest			85				103
	Total other investments			1,105				1,399
	Total investments		$	1,921			$	2,151

	-1	Amounts primarily include Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) Stock.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company consolidated $713 million of investments held by consolidated sponsored investment funds (excluding VIEs) of which $443 million and $270 million were classified as trading investments and other investments, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the Company consolidated $826 million of investments held by consolidated sponsored investment funds (excluding VIEs) of which $385 million and $441 million were classified as trading investments and other investments, respectively.

	Available-for-Sale Investments
	A summary of the cost and carrying value of investments classified as available-for-sale investments is as follows:


	(in millions)						Gross Unrealized								Carrying
	December 31, 2014		Cost				Gains				Losses				Value
	Equity securities of sponsored investment funds		$	205			$	5			$	(9	)		$	201

	December 31, 2013
	Equity securities of sponsored investment funds		$	180			$	4			$	(4	)		$	180
	Other securities			1				2				—				3
	Total available-for-sale investments		$	181			$	6			$	(4	)		$	183
	Available-for-sale investments primarily included seed investments in BlackRock sponsored mutual funds.
	A summary of sale activity in available-for-sale securities during 2014, 2013 and 2012 is shown below.


			Year ended December 31,
	(in millions)		2014				2013				2012
	Sales proceeds		$	155			$	139			$	134
	Net realized gain (loss):
	Gross realized gains		$	14			$	20			$	8
	Gross realized losses			(3	)			(1	)			(1	)
	Net realized gain (loss)		$	11			$	19			$	7
	Held-to-Maturity Investments
	The carrying value of held-to-maturity investments was $79 million and $83 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Held-to-maturity investments included foreign government debt held for regulatory purposes and the amortized cost (carrying value) of these investments approximated fair value. At December 31, 2014, $66 million of these investments mature in one year or less and $13 million mature after 10 years.
	Trading Investments
	A summary of the cost and carrying value of trading investments is as follows:


			December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	(in millions)		Cost				Carrying				Cost				Carrying
	(in millions)		Cost				Value				Cost				Value
	Trading investments:
	Deferred compensation plan mutual funds		$	48			$	64			$	49			$	58
	Equity securities/multi-asset mutual funds			210				239				174				184
	Debt securities/fixed income mutual funds:
	Corporate debt			109				110				128				128
	Government debt			100				103				121				116
	Asset/mortgage backed debt			20				20				—				—
Total trading investments		$	487			$	536			$	472			$	486

At December 31, 2014, trading investments included $220 million of equity securities and $223 million of debt securities held by consolidated sponsored investment funds, $64 million of certain deferred compensation plan mutual fund investments and $29 million of other equity and debt securities.
At December 31, 2013, trading investments included $172 million of equity securities and $213 million of debt securities held by consolidated sponsored investment funds, $58 million of certain deferred compensation plan mutual fund investments and $43 million of other equity and debt securities.
Other Investments
A summary of the cost and carrying value of other investments is as follows:


		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
(in millions)		Cost				Carrying				Cost				Carrying
(in millions)		Cost				Value				Cost				Value
Other investments:
Consolidated sponsored investment funds		$	268			$	270			$	420			$	441
Equity method			518				633				613				697
Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			21				21				37				39
Cost method investments:
Federal Reserve Bank stock			92				92				90				90
Other			4				4				17				29
Total cost method investments			96				96				107				119
Carried interest			—				85				—				103
Total other investments		$	903			$	1,105			$	1,177			$	1,399
Consolidated sponsored investment funds include third-party private equity funds, direct investments in private companies and third-party hedge funds held by BlackRock sponsored investment funds.
Equity method investments primarily include BlackRock’s direct investments in certain BlackRock sponsored investment funds. See Note 11, Other Assets, for information on the Company’s investment in PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. (“PennyMac”), which is included in other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Cost method investments include nonmarketable securities, including FRB stock, which is held for regulatory purposes and is restricted from sale. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no indicators of impairment on these investments.
Carried interest represents allocations to BlackRock’s general partner capital accounts from certain funds. These balances are subject to change upon cash distributions, additional allocations or reallocations back to limited partners within the respective funds.

Consolidated_Sponsored_Investm

Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds	4. Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds
	The Company consolidates certain sponsored investment funds primarily because it is deemed to control such funds. The investments owned by these consolidated sponsored investment funds are classified as trading or other investments. The following table presents the balances related to these consolidated funds that were included on the consolidated statements of financial condition as well as BlackRock’s net interest in these funds:


	(in millions)	December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)	2014			2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	120		$	114
	Investments:
	Trading investments		443			385
	Other investments		270			441
	Other assets		20			20
	Other liabilities		(18	)		(39	)
	Noncontrolling interests		(139	)		(189	)
	BlackRock’s net interests in consolidated investment funds	$	696		$	732
	BlackRock’s total exposure to consolidated sponsored investment funds represents the value of its economic ownership interest in these sponsored investment funds. Valuation changes associated with investments held at fair value by these consolidated investment funds are reflected in nonoperating income (expense) and partially offset in net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests for the portion not attributable to BlackRock.
	In addition, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, several consolidated CLOs and one sponsored investment fund, which were deemed to be VIEs, were excluded from the balances in the table above as the balances for these investment products are reported separately on the consolidated statements of financial condition. See Note 6, Variable Interest Entities, for further discussion on these consolidated investment products.
	The Company may not be readily able to access cash and cash equivalents held by consolidated sponsored investment funds to use in its operating activities. In addition, the Company may not be readily able to sell investments held by consolidated sponsored investment funds in order to obtain cash for use in the Company’s operations.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Disclosures	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	5. Fair Value Disclosures
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and other assets not held at fair value


	December 31, 2014		Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant			Other Assets			December 31,
	(in millions)		Active			Observable Inputs			Unobservable			Not Held at Fair			2014
			Markets for			(Level 2)			Inputs			Value(1)
			Identical Assets						(Level 3)
			(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Investments
	Available-for-sale:
	Equity securities of sponsored investment funds		$	198		$	3		$	—		$	—		$	201
	Held-to-maturity debt securities			—			—			—			79			79
	Trading:
	Deferred compensation plan mutual funds			64			—			—			—			64
	Equity/Multi-asset mutual funds			239			—			—			—			239
	Debt securities / fixed income mutual funds			11			222			—			—			233
	Total trading			314			222			—			—			536
	Other investments:
	Consolidated sponsored investment funds private / public equity(2)			11			11			248			—			270
	Equity method:
	Hedge funds / Funds of hedge funds			—			213			64			5			282
	Private equity investments			—			—			107			—			107
	Real estate funds			—			21			88			8			117
	Fixed income mutual funds			29			—			—			—			29
	Other			98			—			—			—			98
	Total equity method			127			234			259			13			633
	Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			—			—			21			—			21
	Cost method investments			—			—			—			96			96
	Carried interest			—			—			—			85			85
	Total investments			650			470			528			273			1,921
	Separate account assets			113,566			46,866			—			855			161,287
	Separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements:
	Equity securities			30,387			—			—			—			30,387
	Debt securities			—			3,267			—			—			3,267
	Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements			30,387			3,267			—			—			33,654
	Assets of consolidated VIEs:
	Bank loans and other assets			—			2,958			302			32			3,292
	Bonds			—			29			18			—			47
	Private / public equity(3)			—			3			10			—			13
	Total assets of consolidated VIEs			—			2,990			330			32			3,352
	Total		$	144,603		$	53,593		$	858		$	1,160		$	200,214
	Liabilities:
	Borrowings of consolidated VIEs		$	—		$	—		$	3,389		$	—		$	3,389
	Separate account collateral liabilities under securities lending agreements			30,387			3,267			—			—			33,654
	Other liabilities(4)			—			5			39			—			44
	Total		$	30,387		$	3,272		$	3,428		$	—		$	37,087

	-1	Amounts are comprised of investments held at cost or amortized cost, carried interest and certain equity method investments, which include sponsored investment funds and other assets, which are not accounted for under a fair value measure. In accordance with GAAP, certain equity method investees do not account for both their financial assets and liabilities under fair value measures; therefore, the Company’s investment in such equity method investees may not represent fair value.

	-2	Level 3 amounts include $168 million and $80 million of underlying third-party private equity funds and direct investments in private equity companies held by private equity funds, respectively.

	-3	Level 3 amounts include $10 million of underlying third-party private equity funds held by a consolidated private equity fund of fund.

	-4	Amounts include a derivative (see Note 7, Derivatives and Hedging, for more information) and contingent liabilities related to the acquisitions of the Credit Suisse ETF franchise and MGPA (see Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information).

	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and other assets not held at fair value


	December 31, 2013		Quoted Prices			Significant Other			Significant			Other Assets			December 31,
	(in millions)		in Active			Observable Inputs			Unobservable			Not			2013
			Markets for			(Level 2)			Inputs			Held at Fair
	Identical Assets					(Level 3)			Value(1)
	(Level 1)
Assets:
Investments
Available-for-sale:
Equity securities of sponsored investment funds		$	180		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	180
Other securities			—			3			—			—			3
Total available-for-sale			180			3			—			—			183
Held-to-maturity debt securities			—			—			—			83			83
Trading:
Deferred compensation plan mutual funds			58			—			—			—			58
Equity/Multi-asset mutual funds			184			—			—			—			184
Debt securities / fixed income mutual funds			31			213			—			—			244
Total trading			273			213			—			—			486
Other investments:
Consolidated sponsored investment funds:
Hedge funds / Funds of funds			—			135			24			—			159
Private / public equity(2)			5			13			223			41			282
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds			5			148			247			41			441
Equity method:
Hedge funds / Funds of hedge funds			—			177			99			63			339
Private equity investments			—			—			101			—			101
Real estate funds			—			20			98			7			125
Fixed income mutual funds			113			—			—			—			113
Equity/Multi-asset, alternative mutual funds			19			—			—			—			19
Total equity method			132			197			298			70			697
Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			—			10			29			—			39
Cost method investments			—			—			—			119			119
Carried interest			—			—			—			103			103
Total investments			590			571			574			416			2,151
Separate account assets			113,382			40,841			—			890			155,113
Separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements:
Equity securities			20,856			—			—			—			20,856
Debt securities			—			932			—			—			932
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements			20,856			932			—			—			21,788
Other assets(3)			—			39			—			—			39
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
Bank loans and other assets			—			2,047			129			19			2,195
Bonds			—			71			35			—			106
Private / public equity(4)			—			10			14			—			24
Total assets of consolidated VIEs			—			2,128			178			19			2,325
Total		$	134,828		$	44,511		$	752		$	1,325		$	181,416
Liabilities:
Borrowings of consolidated VIEs		$	—		$	—		$	2,369		$	—		$	2,369
Separate account collateral liabilities under securities lending agreements			20,856			932			—			—			21,788
Other liabilities(5)			18			4			42			—			64
Total		$	20,874		$	936		$	2,411		$	—		$	24,221

-1	Amounts are comprised of investments held at cost or amortized cost, carried interest and certain equity method investments, which include sponsored investment funds and other assets, which are not accounted for under a fair value measure. Certain equity method investees do not account for both their financial assets and liabilities under fair value measures; therefore, the Company’s investment in such equity method investees may not represent fair value.

-2	Level 3 amounts include $195 million and $28 million of underlying third-party private equity funds and direct investments in private equity companies held by private equity funds, respectively.

-3	Amount includes company-owned and split-dollar life insurance policies and unrealized gains on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

-4	Level 3 amounts include $14 million of underlying third-party private equity funds held by a sponsored private equity fund of fund.

-5	Amounts include a derivative (see Note 7, Derivatives and Hedging, for more information), securities sold short within consolidated sponsored investment funds and contingent liabilities related to the acquisitions of the Credit Suisse ETF franchise and MGPA (see Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information).

Level 3 Assets. Level 3 investments of $528 million and $574 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, primarily related to equity method investments and private equity funds held by consolidated sponsored investment funds. Level 3 assets within investments, except for direct investments in private equity companies held by private equity funds described below, were primarily valued based upon NAVs received from internal and third-party fund managers.
Direct investments in private equity companies held by private equity funds totaled $80 million and $28 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Direct investments in private equity companies may be valued using the market approach or the income approach, or a combination thereof, and were valued based on an assessment of each underlying investment, incorporating evaluation of additional significant third-party financing, changes in valuations of comparable peer companies, the business environment of the companies, market indices, assumptions relating to appropriate risk adjustments for nonperformance and legal restrictions on disposition, among other factors. The fair value derived from the methods used is evaluated and weighted, as appropriate, considering the reasonableness of the range of values indicated. Under the market approach, fair value may be determined by reference to multiples of market-comparable companies or transactions, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) multiples. Under the income approach, fair value may be determined by discounting the expected cash flows to a single present value amount using current expectations about those future amounts. Unobservable inputs used in a discounted cash flow model may include projections of operating performance generally covering a five-year period and a terminal value of the private equity direct investment. For investments utilizing the discounted cash flow valuation technique, a significant increase (decrease) in the discount rate, risk premium or discount for lack of marketability in isolation could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. For investments utilizing the market comparable companies valuation technique, a significant increase (decrease) in the EBITDA multiple in isolation could result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
Level 3 assets of consolidated VIEs include bank loans and bonds valued based on single-broker nonbinding quotes and direct private equity investments and private equity funds valued based upon internal as well as third-party fund managers, which may be adjusted by using the returns of certain market indices.
Level 3 Liabilities. Level 3 borrowings of consolidated VIEs include CLO borrowings valued based upon single-broker nonbinding quotes.
Level 3 other liabilities include contingent liabilities related to the acquisitions of the Credit Suisse ETF franchise and MGPA, which were valued based upon discounted cash flow analyses using unobservable market data inputs.

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for 2014


(in millions)		December 31,			Realized			Purchases			Sales and			Issuances			Transfers			Transfers			December 31,		Total net
		2013			and						maturities			and other			into			out of			2014		unrealized
					unrealized									settlements(1)			Level 3			Level 3					gains
					gains																				(losses)
					(losses) in																				included
					earnings																				in
					and OCI																				earnings(3)
Assets:
Investments:
Consolidated sponsored investment funds:
Hedge funds / Funds of funds		$	24		$	—		$	—		$	(23	)	$	(1	)	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—
Private equity			223			12			45			(72	)		(1	)		41	(2)		—			248		7
Equity method:
Hedge funds / Funds of hedge funds			99			5			19			(19	)		(40	)		—			—			64		5
Private equity investments			101			15			17			—			(26	)		—			—			107		15
Real estate funds			98			13			8			(5	)		(26	)		—			—			88		12
Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			29			—			—			—			(8	)		—			—			21		—
Total Level 3 investments			574			45			89			(119	)		(102	)		41			—			528		39
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
Bank loans			129			(9	)		210			(96	)		46			302			(280	)		302
Bonds			35			—			—			(17	)		—			—			—			18
Private equity			14			1			—			(5	)		—			—			—			10
Total Level 3 assets of consolidated VIEs			178			(8	)		210			(118	)		46			302			(280	)		330		n/a	(4)
Total Level 3 assets		$	752		$	37		$	299		$	(237	)	$	(56	)	$	343		$	(280	)	$	858	$	39
Liabilities:
Borrowings of consolidated VIEs		$	2,369		$	77		$	—		$	—		$	1,097		$	—		$	—		$	3,389		n/a	(4)
Other liabilities			42			(1	)		—			—			(4	)		—			—			39		n/a
Total Level 3 liabilities		$	2,411		$	76		$	—		$	—		$	1,093		$	—		$	—		$	3,428

n/a	— not applicable

-1	Amount primarily includes distributions from equity method investees and loans and net proceeds from borrowings of consolidated VIEs.

-2	Includes investments previously held at cost.

-3	Earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the reporting date.

-4	The net gain (loss) on consolidated VIEs is solely attributable to noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statements of income.

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for 2013


(in millions)		December 31,			Realized			Purchases			Sales and			Issuances			Transfers			Transfers			December 31,		Total net
		2012			and						maturities			and other			into			out of			2013		unrealized
					unrealized									settlements(1)			Level 3			Level 3					gains
					gains																				(losses)
					(losses) in																				included
					earnings																				in
					and OCI																				earnings(2)
Assets:
Investments:
Available-for-sale:
Equity securities of sponsored investment funds		$	1		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(1	)	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—
Consolidated sponsored investment funds:
Hedge funds / Funds of funds			73			8			12			(19	)		(34	)		—			(16	)		24		4
Private equity			266			37			16			(82	)		—			—			(14	)		223		25
Equity method:
Hedge funds / Funds of hedge funds			161			16			7			(11	)		(74	)		—			—			99		9
Private equity investments			90			21			14			(10	)		(14	)		—			—			101		21
Real estate funds			88			20			7			—			(17	)		—			—			98		20
Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			—			—			—			—			29			—			—			29		—
Total Level 3 investments			679			102			56			(122	)		(111	)		—			(30	)		574		79
Separate account assets:			2			—			—			(2	)		—			—			—			—		n/a	(3)
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
Bank loans			106			—			109			(60	)		16			117			(159	)		129
Bonds			46			1			4			(16	)		—			—			—			35
Private equity			22			2			—			(7	)		—			—			(3	)		14
Funds of hedge funds			—			—			134			—			(134	)		—			—			—
Total Level 3 assets of consolidated VIEs			174			3			247			(83	)		(118	)		117			(162	)		178		n/a	(4)
Total Level 3 assets		$	855		$	105		$	303		$	(207	)	$	(229	)	$	117		$	(192	)	$	752	$	79
Liabilities:
Borrowings of consolidated VIEs		$	2,402		$	(14	)	$	—		$	—		$	(47	)	$	—		$	—		$	2,369		n/a	(4)
Other liabilities			—			—			—			—			42			—			—			42		—
Total Level 3 liabilities		$	2,402		$	(14	)	$	—		$	—		$	(5	)	$	—		$	—		$	2,411

n/a	— not applicable

-1	Amounts include distributions from equity method investees, repayments of borrowings of consolidated VIEs, loans and borrowings related to the consolidation of one additional CLO, elimination of investment related to a deconsolidation of a consolidated VIE and a reclassification of an investment from a consolidated sponsored investment fund to an equity method investment due to a change in ownership percentage. Amounts also include the acquisition of deferred compensation plan equity method investments and contingent liabilities related to the acquisitions of Credit Suisse’s ETF franchise and MGPA.

-2	Earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the reporting date.

-3	The net investment income attributable to separate account assets accrues directly to the contract owners and is not reported on the consolidated statements of income.

-4	The net gain (loss) on consolidated VIEs is solely attributable to noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statements of income.

Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) for Level 3 Assets and Liabilities. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded for Level 3 assets and liabilities are reported in nonoperating income (expense) on the consolidated statements of income. A portion of net income (loss) for consolidated sponsored investments and all of the net income (loss) for consolidated VIEs are allocated to noncontrolling interests to reflect net income (loss) not attributable to the Company.

Transfers in and/or out of Levels. Transfers in and/or out of levels are reflected when significant inputs, including market inputs or performance attributes, used for the fair value measurement become observable/unobservable, or when the Company determines it has the ability, or no longer has the ability, to redeem, in the near term, certain investments that the Company values using a NAV (or a capital account), or when the carrying value of certain equity method investments no longer represents fair value as determined under valuation methodologies.
Assets of Consolidated VIEs. In 2014, there were $280 million of transfers out of Level 3 to Level 2 related to bank loans. In addition, in 2014, there were $302 million of transfers into Level 3 from Level 2 related to bank loans. In 2013, there were $159 million of transfers out of Level 3 to Level 2 related to bank loans. In addition, in 2013, there were $117 million of transfers into Level 3 from Level 2 related to bank loans. These transfers in and out of levels for both 2014 and 2013 were primarily due to availability/unavailability of observable market inputs, including inputs from pricing vendors and brokers.
Significant Issuances and Other Settlements. In 2014, other settlements included $1,582 million of borrowings due to consolidation of CLOs and $485 million of repayments of borrowings of consolidated CLOs. In 2013, other settlements included $363 million of borrowings due to a consolidation of one additional CLO and $410 million of repayments of borrowings of consolidated CLOs.
In 2014 and 2013, there were $92 million and $105 million, respectively, of distributions from equity method investees categorized in Level 3.
In 2013, other settlements included $134 million related to a deconsolidation of a consolidated fund of hedge funds, which was previously classified as a VIE. This fund was deconsolidated during the second quarter of 2013 due to the granting of additional substantive rights to unaffiliated investors of the fund.
In 2013, there was a $28 million reclassification of a Level 3 investment from a consolidated sponsored investment fund to an equity method investment due to a change in BlackRock’s ownership percentage.
In 2013, issuances and other settlements included $29 million of acquired Level 3 deferred compensation plan equity method investments.

Disclosures of Fair Value for Financial Instruments Not Held at Fair Value. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments not held at fair value are categorized in the table below.


		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
(in millions)		Carrying			Estimated			Carrying			Estimated			Fair Value
(in millions)		Amount			Fair Value			Amount			Fair Value			Hierarchy
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	5,723		$	5,723		$	4,390		$	4,390			Level 1	(1),(2)
Accounts receivable			2,120			2,120			2,247			2,247			Level 1	(3)
Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated VIEs			278			278			161			161			Level 1	(1)

Financial Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			1,035			1,035			1,084			1,084			Level 1	(3)
Long-term borrowings			4,938			5,309			4,939			5,284			Level 2	(4)

-1	Cash and cash equivalents are carried at either cost or amortized cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.

-2	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $100 million and $64 million, respectively, of money market funds were recorded within cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Money market funds are valued based on quoted market prices, or $1.00 per share, which generally is the NAV of the fund.

-3	The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.

-4	Long-term borrowings are recorded at amortized cost. The fair value of the long-term borrowings, including the current portion of long-term borrowings, is estimated using market prices at the end of December 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 12, Borrowings, for the fair value of each of the Company’s long-term borrowings.
Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share
As a practical expedient to value certain investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value and have attributes of an investment company, the Company uses NAV as the fair value. The following tables list information regarding all investments that use a fair value measurement to account for both their financial assets and financial liabilities in their calculation of a NAV per share (or equivalent).
December 31, 2014


(in millions)		Ref			Fair Value			Total Unfunded			Redemption			Redemption
(in millions)		Ref			Fair Value			Commitments			Frequency			Notice Period
Consolidated sponsored investment funds:
Private equity funds of funds			(a	)	$	168		$	22			n/r			n/r
Equity method:(1)
Hedge funds/funds of hedge funds			(b	)		277			39			Monthly	(29%)		1 – 90 days
												Quarterly	(48%)
												n/r	(23%)
Private equity funds			(c	)		107			61			n/r			n/r
Real estate funds			(d	)		109			1			Quarterly	(19%)		60 days
Real estate funds			(d	)		109			1			n/r	(81%)		60 days
Deferred compensation plan investments			(e	)		21			5			n/r			n/r
Consolidated VIEs:
Private equity fund			(f	)		10			1			n/r			n/r
Total					$	692		$	129

December 31, 2013


(in millions)		Ref			Fair Value			Total Unfunded			Redemption			Redemption
(in millions)		Ref			Fair Value			Commitments			Frequency			Notice Period
Consolidated sponsored investment funds:
Private equity funds of funds			(a	)	$	195		$	23			n/r			n/r
Other funds of hedge funds			(g	)		155			—			Monthly	(13%),		30 –90 days
												Quarterly	(78%),
												n/r	(9%)
Equity method:(1)
Hedge funds/funds of hedge funds			(b	)		276			84			Monthly	(55%),		15 –90 days
												Quarterly	(11%)
												n/r	(34%)
Private equity funds			(c	)		101			62			n/r			n/r
Real estate funds			(d	)		118			12			Quarterly	(17%)		60 days
Real estate funds			(d	)		118			12			n/r	(83%)		60 days
Deferred compensation plan investments			(e	)		39			7			Monthly	(8%),		60 –90 days
												Quarterly	(18%)
												n/r	(74%)
Consolidated VIEs:
Private equity fund			(f	)		14			1			n/r			n/r
Total					$	898		$	189

n/r	– not redeemable

-1	Comprised of equity method investments, which include investment companies, which account for their financial assets and most financial liabilities under fair value measures; therefore, the Company’s investment in such equity method investees approximates fair value.

(a)	This category includes the underlying third-party private equity funds within consolidated BlackRock sponsored private equity funds of funds. The fair values of the investments in the third-party funds have been estimated using capital accounts representing the Company’s ownership interest in each fund in the portfolio as well as other performance inputs. These investments are not subject to redemption; however, for certain funds, the Company may sell or transfer its interest, which may need approval by the general partner of the underlying funds. Due to the nature of the investments in this category, the Company reduces its investment by distributions that are received through the realization of the underlying assets of the funds. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be liquidated over a weighted-average period of approximately seven years at both December 31, 2014 and 2013. The total remaining unfunded commitments to other third-party funds were $22 million and $23 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company had contractual obligations to the consolidated funds of $31 million and $30 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(b)	This category includes hedge funds and funds of hedge funds that invest primarily in equities, fixed income securities, distressed credit, opportunistic and mortgage instruments and other third-party hedge funds. The fair values of the investments have been estimated using the NAV of the Company’s ownership interest in partners’ capital. It was estimated that the investments in the funds that are not subject to redemption will be liquidated over a weighted-average period of approximately two and three years at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(c)	This category includes several private equity funds that initially invest in nonmarketable securities of private companies, which ultimately may become public in the future. The fair values of these investments have been estimated using capital accounts representing the Company’s ownership interest in the funds as well as other performance inputs. The Company’s investment in each fund is not subject to redemption and is normally returned through distributions as a result of the liquidation of the underlying assets of the private equity funds. It was estimated that the investments in these funds will be liquidated over a weighted-average period of approximately four years and five years at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(d)	This category includes several real estate funds that invest directly in real estate and real estate related assets. The fair values of the investments have been estimated using capital accounts representing the Company’s ownership interest in the funds. A majority of the Company’s investments are not subject to redemption or are not currently redeemable and are normally returned through distributions as a result of the liquidation of the underlying assets of the real estate funds. It is estimated that the investments in these funds not subject to redemptions will be liquidated over a weighted-average period of approximately seven years at both December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013.

(e)	This category includes investments in several real estate funds and certain hedge funds that invest in energy and health science related equity securities. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated using capital accounts representing the Company’s ownership interest in partners’ capital as well as performance inputs. The investments in hedge funds will be redeemed upon settlement of certain deferred compensation liabilities. The real estate investments are not subject to redemption; however, distributions as a result of the liquidation of the underlying assets will be used to settle certain deferred compensation liabilities over time.

(f)	This category includes the underlying third-party private equity funds within one consolidated BlackRock sponsored private equity fund of funds. The fair values of the investments in the third-party funds have been estimated using capital accounts representing the Company’s ownership interest in each fund in the portfolio as well as other performance inputs. These investments are not subject to redemption; however, for certain funds the Company may sell or transfer its interest, which may need approval by the general partner of the underlying third-party funds. Due to the nature of the investments in this category, the Company reduces its investment by distributions that are received through the realization of the underlying assets of the funds. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be liquidated over a weighted-average period of approximately one year at December 31, 2014 and two years at December 31, 2013. Total remaining unfunded commitments to other third-party funds were not material at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, which commitments are required to be funded by capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders.

(g)	At December 31, 2013, this category included consolidated funds of hedge funds that invested in multiple strategies to diversify risks. The fair values of the investments had been estimated using the NAV of the fund’s ownership interest in partners’ capital of each fund in the portfolio. Certain of the underlying funds could be redeemed as long as there were no restrictions in place. The underlying funds that were currently restricted from redemptions within one year would become redeemable in approximately 12 to 24 months. This category also included a consolidated offshore feeder fund that invested in a master fund with multiple alternative investment strategies. The fair value of this investment had been estimated using the NAV of the master offshore fund held by the feeder fund. The investment was currently subject to restrictions in place by the underlying master fund.

Fair Value Option. Upon the initial consolidation of certain CLOs, the Company elected to adopt the fair value option provisions for eligible assets and liabilities, including bank loans and borrowings of the CLOs to mitigate accounting mismatches between the carrying value of the assets and liabilities and to achieve operational simplification. To the extent there is a difference between the change in fair value of the assets and liabilities, the difference will be reflected as net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statements of income and offset by a change in appropriated retained earnings on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
The following table summarizes information related to those assets and liabilities selected for fair value accounting at December 31, 2014 and 2013:


(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
(in millions)		2014			2013
CLO Bank Loans:
Aggregate principal amounts outstanding		$	3,338		$	2,181
Fair value			3,260			2,176
Aggregate unpaid principal balance in excess of (less than) fair value		$	78		$	5
Unpaid principal balance of loans more than 90 days past due		$	6		$	14
Aggregate fair value of loans more than 90 days past due			2			9
Aggregate unpaid principal balance in excess of fair value for loans more than 90 days past due		$	4		$	5
CLO Borrowings:
Aggregate principal amounts outstanding		$	3,508		$	2,455
Fair value		$	3,389		$	2,369
At December 31, 2014, the principal amounts outstanding of the borrowings issued by the CLOs mature between 2016 and 2027.
During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the change in fair value of the bank loans and bonds held by the CLOs resulted in a $69 million, $153 million and $154 million gain, respectively, which were offset by a $65 million, $117 million and $166 million loss, respectively, from the change in fair value of the CLO borrowings.
The net gains (losses) were recorded in net gain (loss) on consolidated VIEs on the consolidated statements of income.
The change in fair value of the assets and liabilities included interest income and expense, respectively.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
Variable Interest Entities	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	6. Variable Interest Entities
	In the normal course of business, the Company is the manager of various types of sponsored investment vehicles, including collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”)/CLOs and sponsored investment funds, which may be considered VIEs. The Company receives advisory fees and/or other incentive-related fees for its services and may from time to time own equity or debt securities or enter into derivatives with the vehicles, each of which are considered variable interests. The Company enters into these variable interests principally to address client needs through the launch of such investment vehicles. The VIEs are primarily financed via capital contributed by equity and debt holders. The Company’s involvement in financing the operations of the VIEs is generally limited to its equity interests.
	In order to determine whether the Company is the PB of a VIE, management must make significant estimates and assumptions of probable future cash flows of the VIEs. Assumptions made in such analyses may include, but are not limited to, market prices of securities, market interest rates, potential credit defaults on individual securities or default rates on a portfolio of securities, prepayments, realization of gains, liquidity or marketability of certain securities, discount rates and the probability of certain other outcomes. See Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, for more information.
	Consolidated VIEs. Consolidated VIEs included CLOs in which BlackRock did not have an investment; however, BlackRock, as the collateral manager, was deemed to have both the power to control the activities of the CLOs and the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the CLOs. In addition, BlackRock was the PB of one investment fund because it absorbed the majority of the variability due to its de-facto related-party relationships with other partners in the fund. The assets of these VIEs are not available to creditors of the Company. In addition, the investors in these VIEs have no recourse to the credit of the Company. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the following balances related to VIEs were recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition:


	(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)		2014			2013
	Assets of consolidated VIEs:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	278		$	161
	Bank loans			3,260			2,176
	Bonds			47			106
	Other investments and other assets			45			43
	Total bank loans, bonds, other investments and other assets			3,352			2,325
	Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:
	Borrowings			(3,389	)		(2,369	)
	Other liabilities			(245	)		(74	)
	Appropriated retained earnings			19			(22	)
	Noncontrolling interests of consolidated VIEs			(15	)		(21	)
	Total BlackRock net interests in consolidated VIEs		$	—		$	—
	The Company recorded $41 million, $0 and $38 million of nonoperating expense and an equal and offsetting loss attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests related to consolidated VIEs during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the weighted-average maturity of the bank loans and bonds was approximately 4.9 years and 4.7 years, respectively.

	Non-Consolidated VIEs. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s carrying value of assets and liabilities pertaining to its variable interests in VIEs and its maximum risk of loss related to VIEs for which it was the sponsor or in which it held a variable interest, but for which it was not the PB, was as follows:


	(in millions)		Variable Interests on the Consolidated
	(in millions)		Statement of Financial Condition
	At December 31, 2014		Investments			Advisory			Other Net			Maximum
						Fee			Assets			Risk of Loss(1)
						Receivables			(Liabilities)
	CDOs/CLOs		$	—		$	2		$	(5	)	$	19
	Other sponsored investment funds:
	Collective trusts			—			191			—			191
	Other			57			177			(3	)		234
	Total		$	57		$	370		$	(8	)	$	444
	At December 31, 2013
	CDOs/CLOs		$	—		$	1		$	(4	)	$	18
	Other sponsored investment funds:
	Collective trusts			—			184			—			184
	Other			37			137			(6	)		174
	Total		$	37		$	322		$	(10	)	$	376

	-1	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, BlackRock’s maximum risk of loss associated with these VIEs primarily related to collecting advisory fee receivables and BlackRock’s investments.

	The net assets of the above CDOs/CLOs that the Company does not consolidate were as follows:
	CDOs/CLOs


	(in billions)		December 31,			December 31,
	(in billions)		2014			2013
	Assets at fair value		$	1		$	1
	Liabilities(1)			2			2
	Net assets		$	(1	)	$	(1	)

	-1	Amounts primarily comprised of unpaid principal debt obligations to CDO/CLO debt holders.
	The net assets of other sponsored investment funds that are nonconsolidated VIEs approximated $1.7 trillion to $1.8 trillion at December 31, 2014 and $1.6 trillion to $1.7 trillion at December 31, 2013. Net assets included approximately $1.4 trillion of collective trusts at both December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Each collective trust has been aggregated separately and may include collective trusts that invest in other collective trusts. The net assets of these VIEs primarily are comprised of cash and cash equivalents and investments, partially offset by liabilities primarily comprised of various accruals for the sponsored investment vehicles.

Derivatives_and_Hedging

Derivatives and Hedging	12 Months Ended
Derivatives and Hedging	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging	7. Derivatives and Hedging
	The Company maintains a program to enter into swaps to hedge against market price and interest rate exposures with respect to certain seed investments in sponsored investment products. At December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding total return swaps and interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional value of approximately $238 million and $84 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding total return swaps and interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional value of approximately $117 million and $71 million, respectively.
	The Company has entered into a derivative, providing credit protection to a counterparty of approximately $17 million,
	representing the Company’s maximum risk of loss with respect to the provision of credit protection. The Company carries the derivative at fair value based on the expected future cash flows under the arrangement.
	The fair values of the outstanding derivatives mentioned above were not material to the consolidated statements of financial condition at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The Company executes forward foreign currency exchange contracts to mitigate the risk of certain foreign exchange movements. At December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding forward foreign currency exchange contracts with an aggregate notional value of approximately $201 million. The fair value of the forward foreign currency exchange contracts at December 31, 2014 was not material to the consolidated statement of financial condition. At December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding forward foreign currency exchange contracts with an aggregate notional value of approximately $792 million and a fair value of approximately $26 million.
	Gains (losses) on total return swaps are recorded in nonoperating income (expense) and were $(26) million, $(15) million and $(23) million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Gains (losses) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts are recorded in other general and administration expense and were $(26) million for 2013. Gains (losses) were not material to the consolidated statements of income for 2014 and 2012.
	Gains (losses) on the interest rate swaps are recorded in nonoperating income (expense) and were $(21) million for 2014. Gains (losses) were not material for 2013 and 2012.
	The Company consolidates certain sponsored investment funds, which may utilize derivative instruments as a part of the funds’ investment strategies. The fair value of such derivatives at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was not material. The change in fair value of such derivatives, which is recorded in nonoperating income (expense), was not material for 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	8. Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consists of the following:


	(in millions)		Estimated useful		December 31,
	(in millions)		life-in years		2014		2013
	Property and equipment:
	Building			39	$	17	$	17
	Building improvements			15		14		14
	Leasehold improvements			15-Jan		478		501
	Equipment and computer software			3		387		451
	Other transportation equipment			10		56		56
	Furniture and fixtures			7		93		93
	Other			N/A		9		4
	Total					1,054		1,136
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization					587		611
	Property and equipment, net				$	467	$	525

	N/A	– Not Applicable
	Qualifying software costs of approximately $45 million, $35 million and $36 million have been capitalized within equipment and computer software during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are being amortized over an estimated useful life of three years.
	Depreciation and amortization expense was $117 million, $128 million and $129 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
Goodwill	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	9. Goodwill
	Goodwill activity during 2014 and 2013 was as follows:


	(in millions)		2014			2013
	Beginning of year balance		$	12,980		$	12,910
	Acquisitions(1)			—			73
	Goodwill adjustments related to Quellos and other(2)			(19	)		(3	)
	End of year balance		$	12,961		$	12,980

	-1	The 2013 amount primarily represents $29 million of goodwill from the Company’s acquisition of MGPA, an independently managed private equity real estate investment advisory company primarily in Asia and Europe, on October 4, 2013 for approximately $66 million (the “MGPA Transaction”) and $44 million of goodwill from the Company’s acquisition of Credit Suisse’s ETF franchise on July 1, 2013 for approximately $273 million (the “Credit Suisse ETF Transaction”).

	-2	The decrease in goodwill during both 2014 and 2013 primarily resulted from a decline of approximately $20 million related to tax benefits realized from tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill from the acquisition of the fund-of-funds business of Quellos Group, LLC in October 2007 (the “Quellos Transaction”). Goodwill related to the Quellos Transaction will continue to be reduced in future periods by the amount of tax benefits realized from tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill from the Quellos Transaction. The balance of the Quellos tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill was approximately $263 million and $293 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	BlackRock assessed its goodwill for impairment on July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and considered such factors as the book value and the market capitalization of the Company. The impairment assessment indicated no impairment charges were required. The Company continues to monitor its book value per share compared with closing prices of its common stock for potential indicators of impairment. At December 31, 2014, the Company’s common stock closed at $357.56, which exceeded its book value, after excluding appropriated retained earnings, of approximately $164.06 per share.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	10. Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:


	(in millions)		Remaining		Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Net Carrying
			Weighted-		Amount		Amortization		Amount
			Average
			Estimated
			Useful Life
	At December 31, 2014
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Management contracts			N/A	$	15,579	$	—	$	15,579
	Trade names / trademarks			N/A		1,403		—		1,403
	License			N/A		6		—		6
	Total indefinite-lived intangible assets					16,988		—		16,988
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Management contracts			3.8		1,390		1,036		354
	Intellectual property			3.6		6		4		2
	Total finite-lived intangible assets			3.8		1,396		1,040		356
	Total intangible assets				$	18,384	$	1,040	$	17,344
	At December 31, 2013
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Management contracts			N/A	$	15,582	$	—	$	15,582
	Trade names / trademarks			N/A		1,403		—		1,403
	License			N/A		6		—		6
	Total indefinite-lived intangible assets					16,991		—		16,991
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Management contracts			4.3		1,561		1,054		507
	Intellectual property			4.6		6		3		3
	Total finite-lived intangible assets			4.3		1,567		1,057		510
	Total intangible assets				$	18,558	$	1,057	$	17,501

	N/A	— Not Applicable

	The impairment tests performed for intangible assets as of July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 indicated no impairment charges were required.
	Estimated amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years is as follows:


	(in millions)
	Year		Amount
	2015		$	126
	2016			91
	2017			74
	2018			24
	2019			22
	Indefinite-Lived Acquired Management Contracts
	In July 2013, in connection with the Credit Suisse ETF Transaction, the Company acquired $231 million of indefinite-lived management contracts.
	Finite-Lived Acquired Management Contracts
	In October 2013, in connection with the MGPA Transaction, the Company acquired $29 million of finite-lived management contracts with a weighted-average estimated useful life of approximately eight years.

Other_Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
Other Assets	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets	11. Other Assets
	At March 31, 2013, BlackRock held an approximately one-third economic equity interest in Private National Mortgage Acceptance Company, LLC (“PNMAC”), which is accounted for as an equity method investment and is included in other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition. On May 8, 2013, PennyMac became the sole managing member of PNMAC in connection with an initial public offering of PennyMac (the “PennyMac IPO”). As a result of the PennyMac IPO, BlackRock recorded a noncash, nonoperating pre-tax gain of $39 million related to the carrying value of its equity method investment.
	Subsequent to the PennyMac IPO, the Company contributed 6.1 million units of its PennyMac investment to a new donor advised fund (the “Charitable Contribution”). The fair value of the Charitable Contribution was $124 million and is included in general and administration expense on the consolidated statements of income for 2013. In connection with the Charitable Contribution, the Company also recorded a noncash, nonoperating pre-tax gain of $80 million related to the contributed investment and a tax benefit of approximately $48 million for 2013.
	The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s interest (approximately 20% or 16 million shares and units) was approximately $167 million and $269 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and approximately $127 million and $273 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013. The fair value of the Company’s interest reflected the PennyMac stock price at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively (a Level 1 input).

Borrowings

Borrowings	12 Months Ended
Borrowings	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	12. Borrowings
	Short-Term Borrowings
	2014 Revolving Credit Facility. In March 2011, the Company entered into a five-year $3.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility, which was amended in 2013 and 2012. In March 2014, the Company’s credit facility was further amended to extend the maturity date to March 2019. The amount of the aggregate commitment is $3.990 billion (the “2014 credit facility”). The 2014 credit facility permits the Company to request up to an additional $1.0 billion of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, increasing the overall size of the 2014 credit facility to an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4.990 billion. Interest on borrowings outstanding accrues at a rate based on the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate plus a spread. The 2014 credit facility requires the Company not to exceed a maximum leverage ratio (ratio of net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, where net debt equals total debt less unrestricted cash) of 3 to 1, which was satisfied with a ratio of less than 1 to 1 at December 31, 2014. The 2014 credit facility provides back-up liquidity, funds ongoing working capital for general corporate purposes and funds various investment opportunities. At December 31, 2014, the Company had no amount outstanding under the 2014 credit facility.
	Commercial Paper Program. On October 14, 2009, BlackRock established a commercial paper program (the “CP Program”) under which the Company could issue unsecured commercial paper notes (the “CP Notes”) on a private placement basis up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $3.0 billion. BlackRock increased the maximum aggregate amount that could be borrowed under the CP Program to $3.5 billion in 2011 and to $3.785 billion in 2012. In April 2013, BlackRock increased the maximum aggregate amount for which the Company could issue unsecured CP Notes on a private-placement basis up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $3.990 billion. The CP Program is currently supported by the 2014 credit facility. At December 31, 2014, BlackRock had no CP Notes outstanding.

	Long-Term Borrowings
	The carrying value and fair value of long-term borrowings estimated using market prices at December 31, 2014 included the following:


	(in millions)	Maturity Amount		Unamortized			Carrying Value		Fair Value
	(in millions)	Maturity Amount		Discount			Carrying Value		Fair Value
	1.375% Notes due 2015	$	750	$	—		$	750	$	753
	6.25% Notes due 2017		700		(1	)		699		785
	5.00% Notes due 2019		1,000		(2	)		998		1,134
	4.25% Notes due 2021		750		(3	)		747		825
	3.375% Notes due 2022		750		(3	)		747		783
	3.50% Notes due 2024		1,000		(3	)		997		1,029
	Total Long-term Borrowings	$	4,950	$	(12	)	$	4,938	$	5,309

	Long-term borrowings at December 31, 2013 had a carrying value of $4.939 billion and a fair value of $5.284 billion determined using market prices at the end of December 2013.
	2024 Notes. In March 2014, the Company issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 3.50% senior unsecured and unsubordinated notes maturing on March 18, 2024 (the “2024 Notes”). The net proceeds of the 2024 Notes were used to refinance certain indebtedness which matured in the fourth quarter of 2014. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 18 and September 18 of each year, or approximately $35 million per year. The 2024 Notes may be redeemed prior to maturity at any time in whole or in part at the option of the Company at a “make-whole” redemption price. The 2024 Notes were issued at a discount of $3 million that is being amortized over the term of the notes. The Company incurred approximately $6 million of debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over the term of the 2024 Notes. At December 31, 2014, $6 million of unamortized debt issuance costs was included in other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition.
	2015 and 2022 Notes. In May 2012, the Company issued $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of unsecured unsubordinated obligations. These notes were issued as two separate series of senior debt securities, including $750 million of 1.375% notes maturing in June 2015 (the “2015 Notes”) and $750 million of 3.375% notes maturing in June 2022 (the “2022 Notes”). Net proceeds were used to fund the repurchase of BlackRock’s common stock and Series B Preferred from Barclays and affiliates and for general corporate purposes. Interest on the 2015 Notes and the 2022 Notes of approximately $10 million and $25 million per year, respectively, is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, which commenced December 1, 2012. The 2015 Notes and 2022 Notes may be redeemed prior to maturity at any time in whole or in part at the option of the Company at a “make-whole” redemption price. The “make-whole” redemption price represents a price, subject to the specific terms of the 2015 and 2022 Notes and related indenture, that is the greater of (a) par value and (b) the present value of future payments that will not be paid because of an early redemption, which is discounted at a fixed spread over a comparable Treasury security. The 2015 Notes and 2022 Notes were issued at a discount of $5 million that is being amortized over the term of the notes. The Company incurred approximately $7 million of debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over the respective terms of the 2015 Notes and 2022 Notes. At December 31, 2014, $4 million of unamortized debt issuance costs was included in other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition.
	2021 Notes. In May 2011, the Company issued $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of unsecured unsubordinated obligations. These notes were issued as two separate series of senior debt securities, including $750 million of 4.25% notes maturing in May 2021 and $750 million of floating rate notes (“2013 Floating Rate Notes”), which were repaid in May 2013 at maturity. Net proceeds of this offering were used to fund the repurchase of BlackRock’s Series B Preferred from affiliates of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”). Interest on the 4.25% notes due in 2021 (“2021 Notes”) is payable semi-annually on May 24 and November 24 of each year, which commenced November 24, 2011, and is approximately $32 million per year. The 2021 Notes may be redeemed prior to maturity at any time in whole or in part at the option of the Company at a “make-whole” redemption price. The 2021 Notes were issued at a discount of $4 million. At December 31, 2014, $3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs was included in other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition and are being amortized over the remaining term of the 2021 Notes.
	In May 2011, in conjunction with the issuance of the 2013 Floating Rate Notes, the Company entered into a $750 million notional interest rate swap maturing in 2013 to hedge the future cash flows of its obligation at a fixed rate of 1.03%. During the second quarter of 2013, the interest rate swap matured and the 2013 Floating Rate Notes were fully repaid.
	2019 Notes. In December 2009, the Company issued $2.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. These notes were issued as three separate series of senior debt securities including $0.5 billion of 2.25% notes, which were repaid in December 2012, $1.0 billion of 3.50% notes, which were repaid in December 2014 at maturity, and $1.0 billion of 5.0% notes maturing in December 2019 (the “2019 Notes”). Net proceeds of this offering were used to repay borrowings under the CP Program, which was used to finance a portion of the acquisition of Barclays Global Investors (“BGI”) from Barclays on December 1, 2009 (the “BGI Transaction”), and for general corporate purposes. Interest on the 2019 Notes of approximately $50 million per year is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 10 and December 10 of each year. These notes may be redeemed prior to maturity at any time in whole or in part at the option of the Company at a “make-whole” redemption price. These notes were issued collectively at a discount of $5 million. At December 31, 2014, $3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs was included in other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition and are being amortized over the remaining term of the 2019 Notes.
	2017 Notes. In September 2007, the Company issued $700 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior unsecured and unsubordinated notes maturing on September 15, 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). A portion of the net proceeds of the 2017 Notes was used to fund the initial cash payment for the acquisition of the fund-of-funds business of Quellos and the remainder was used for general corporate purposes. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, or approximately $44 million per year. The 2017 Notes may be redeemed prior to maturity at any time in whole or in part at the option of the Company at a “make-whole” redemption price. The 2017 Notes were issued at a discount of $6 million, which is being amortized over their ten-year term. The Company incurred approximately $4 million of debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over ten years. At December 31, 2014, $1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs was included in other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	13. Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Lease Commitments
	The Company leases its primary office spaces under agreements that expire through 2035. Future minimum commitments under these operating leases are as follows:


	(in millions)
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	126
	2016		111
	2017		112
	2018		111
	2019		105
	Thereafter		613
	Total	$	1,178
	Rent expense and certain office equipment expense under agreements amounted to $132 million, $137 million and $133 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Investment Commitments. At December 31, 2014, the Company had $161 million of various capital commitments to fund sponsored investment funds, including funds of private equity funds, real estate funds, infrastructure funds, opportunistic funds and distressed credit funds. This amount excludes additional commitments made by consolidated funds of funds to underlying third-party funds as third-party noncontrolling interest holders have the legal obligation to fund the respective commitments of such funds of funds. In addition to the capital commitments of $161 million, the Company had approximately $35 million of contingent commitments for certain funds which have investment periods that have expired. Generally, the timing of the funding of these commitments is unknown and the commitments are callable on demand at any time prior to the expiration of the commitment. These unfunded commitments are not recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition. These commitments do not include potential future commitments approved by the Company that are not yet legally binding. The Company intends to make additional capital commitments from time to time to fund additional investment products for, and with, its clients.
	Contingencies
	Contingent Payments. The Company acts as the portfolio manager in a series of derivative transactions and has a maximum potential exposure of $17 million under a derivative between the Company and counterparty. See Note 7, Derivatives and Hedging, for further discussion.
	Contingent Payments Related to Business Acquisitions. In connection with the Credit Suisse ETF Transaction, BlackRock is required to make contingent payments annually to Credit Suisse, subject to achieving specified thresholds during a seven-year period, subsequent to the 2013 acquisition date. In addition, BlackRock is required to make contingent payments related to the MGPA Transaction during a five-year period, subject to achieving specified thresholds, subsequent to the 2013 acquisition date. The fair value of the remaining contingent payments at December 31, 2014 is not significant to the consolidated statement of financial condition and is included in other liabilities.
	Legal Proceedings. From time to time, BlackRock receives subpoenas or other requests for information from various U.S. federal, state governmental and domestic and international regulatory authorities in connection with certain industry-wide or other investigations or proceedings. It is BlackRock’s policy to cooperate fully with such inquiries. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various legal actions, including arbitrations and other litigation arising in connection with BlackRock’s activities. Additionally, certain BlackRock-sponsored investment funds that the Company manages are subject to lawsuits, any of which potentially could harm the investment returns of the applicable fund or result in the Company being liable to the funds for any resulting damages.
	Management, after consultation with legal counsel, currently does not anticipate that the aggregate liability, if any, arising out of regulatory matters or lawsuits, will have a material effect on BlackRock’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. However, there is no assurance as to whether any such pending or threatened matters will have a material effect on BlackRock’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows in any future reporting period. Due to uncertainties surrounding the outcome of these matters, management cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these matters
	Indemnifications. In the ordinary course of business or in connection with certain acquisition agreements, BlackRock enters into contracts pursuant to which it may agree to indemnify third parties in certain circumstances. The terms of these indemnities vary from contract to contract and the amount of indemnification liability, if any, cannot be determined or the likelihood of any liability is considered remote. Consequently, no liability has been recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
	In connection with securities lending transactions, BlackRock has issued certain indemnifications to certain securities lending clients against potential loss resulting from a borrower’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the securities lending agreement should the value of the collateral pledged by the borrower at the time of default be insufficient to cover the borrower’s obligation under the securities lending agreement. At December 31, 2014, the Company indemnified certain of its clients for their securities lending loan balances of approximately $145.7 billion. The Company held as agent, cash and securities totaling $155.8 billion as collateral for indemnified securities on loan at December 31, 2014. The fair value of these indemnifications was not material at December 31, 2014.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	14. Stock-Based Compensation
	The components of stock-based compensation expense are as follows:


			Year ended December 31,
	(in millions)		2014				2013			2012
	Stock-based compensation:
	Restricted stock and RSUs		$	421			$	415		$	429
	Long-term incentive plans to be funded by PNC			32				33			22
	Total stock-based compensation		$	453			$	448		$	451

	Stock Award and Incentive Plan. Pursuant to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Award Plan”), options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price not less than the market value of BlackRock’s common stock on the date of grant in the form of stock options, restricted stock or RSUs may be granted to employees and nonemployee directors. A maximum of 34,500,000 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance under the Award Plan. Of this amount, 9,134,678 shares remain available for future awards at December 31, 2014. Upon exercise of employee stock options, the issuance of restricted stock or the vesting of RSUs, the Company issues shares out of treasury to the extent available.
	Restricted Stock and RSUs. Pursuant to the Award Plan, restricted stock grants and RSUs may be granted to certain employees. Substantially all restricted stock and RSUs vest over periods ranging from one to three years and are expensed using the straight-line method over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards. Prior to 2009, the Company awarded restricted stock and RSUs with nonforfeitable dividend equivalent rights. Restricted stock and RSUs awarded beginning in 2009 are not considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS as the dividend equivalents are subject to forfeiture prior to vesting of the award.
	Restricted stock and RSU activity for 2014 is summarized below.


	Outstanding at		Restricted				Weighted
			Stock and				Average
			Units				Grant Date
							Fair Value
	December 31, 2013			4,612,813			$	207.94
	Granted			1,476,276			$	319.48
	Converted			(2,593,251	)		$	205.87
	Forfeited			(93,929	)		$	241.02
	December 31, 2014(1)			3 ,401,909			$	257.01

	-1	At December 31, 2014, approximately 3.2 million awards are expected to vest and 0.2 million awards have vested but have not been converted.
	The Company values restricted stock and RSUs at their grant-date fair value as measured by BlackRock’s common stock price. The total fair market value of RSUs granted to employees during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $472 million, $390 million and $348 million, respectively. The total fair market value of RSUs converted to common stock during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $534 million, $528 million and $297 million, respectively.

	At December 31, 2014, the intrinsic value of outstanding RSUs was $1.2 billion, reflecting a closing stock price of $357.56 at December 31, 2014.
	RSUs granted under the Award Plan primarily related to the following:


			Year ended December 31,
			2014				2013			2012
	Awards granted as part of annual incentive compensation that vest ratably over three years from the date of grant			1,022,295				1,172,381			1,365,691
	Awards granted that cliff vest 100% on:
	January 31, 2015			—				—			418,038
	January 31, 2016			—				370,812			—
	January 31, 2017			287,963				—			—
				1,310,258				1,543,193			1,783,729
	In addition the Company also granted RSUs of 166,018, 117,339 and 111,389 during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, there was $292 million in total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested RSUs. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average period of 0.9 years.
	In January 2015, the Company granted under the Award Plan

		•		952,329 RSUs to employees as part of annual incentive compensation that vest ratably over three years from the date of grant;

		•		303,999 RSUs to employees that cliff vest 100% on January 31, 2018; and

		•		262,847 RSUs to employees that cliff vest 100% on January 31, 2018. The number of shares distributed at vesting could be higher or lower than the original grant based on the level of attainment of predetermined Company performance measures.
	Market Performance-based RSUs. Pursuant to the Award Plan, market performance-based RSUs may be granted to certain employees. The market performance-based RSUs require that separate 15%, 25% and 35% share price appreciation targets be achieved during the six-year term of the awards. The awards are split into three tranches and each tranche may vest if the specified target increase in share price is met. Eligible delivery dates for each tranche are the fourth, fifth or sixth anniversaries of the grant date. Certain awards are forfeited if the employee leaves BlackRock before the vesting date. These awards are amortized over a service period of four years, which is the longer of the explicit service period or the period in which the market target is expected to be met. Market performance-based RSUs are not considered participating securities as the dividend equivalents are subject to forfeiture prior to vesting of the award. In 2013 and 2012, the Company granted 556,581 and 616,117 market performance-based RSUs, respectively, which will be funded primarily by shares currently held by PNC (see Long-Term Incentive Plans Funded by PNC below).

	Market performance-based RSU activity for 2014 is summarized below.


	Outstanding at		Market				Weighted
			Performance-				Average
			Based RSUs				Grant Date
							Fair Value
	December 31, 2013			1,132,113			$	120.80
	Granted			315,961			$	195.3
	Forfeited			(22,755	)		$	121.13
	December 31, 2014(1)			1,425,319			$	137.31

-1	At December 31, 2014, approximately 1.4 million awards are expected to vest and an immaterial amount of awards have vested and have not been converted.
At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested market performance-based awards was $99 million. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average period of 1.9 years.
The grant-date fair value of the awards was $62 million in 2014 and $71 million in both 2013 and 2012. The fair value was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions:


Grant		Risk-Free				Performance			Expected			Expected
Year		Interest				Period			Stock			Dividend
		Rate							Volatility			Yield
2012			1.21	%			6			33.63	%		2.99	%
2013			1.05	%			6			25.85	%		2.89	%
2014			2.05	%			6			27.4	%		2.42	%
The Company’s expected stock volatility assumption was based upon an average of the historical stock price fluctuations of BlackRock’s common stock and an implied volatility at the grant date. The dividend yield assumption was derived using estimated dividends over the expected term and the stock price at the date of grant. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield at date of grant.
Long-Term Incentive Plans Funded by PNC. Under a share surrender agreement, PNC committed to provide up to 4 million shares of BlackRock stock, held by PNC, to fund certain BlackRock long-term incentive plans (“LTIP”). The current share surrender agreement commits PNC to provide BlackRock series C nonvoting participating preferred stock to fund the remaining committed shares. As of December 31, 2014, 2.7 million shares had been surrendered by PNC. At December 31, 2014, the remaining shares committed by PNC of 1.3 million were available to fund certain future long-term incentive awards.
Stock Options. Stock option grants were made to certain employees pursuant to the Award Plan in 1999 through 2007. Options granted have a ten-year life, vested ratably over periods ranging from two to five years and became exercisable upon vesting. The Company has not granted any stock options subsequent to the January 2007 grant, which vested on September 29, 2011. Stock option activity for 2014 is summarized below.


Outstanding at		Shares				Weighted
		under				average
		option				exercise
						price
December 31, 2013			931,758			$	167.76
Exercised(1)			(25,039	)		$	167.76
December 31, 2014(1)			906,719			$	167.76

-1	The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $4 million, $19 million and $157 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014, all options were vested.
Stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 were as follows:


		Options Outstanding and Exercisable
Exercise		Options		Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
Prices		Outstanding		Average		Average		Intrinsic
				Remaining		Exercise		Value of
				Life		Price		Exercisable
				(years)				Shares(1) (in
								millions)
$ 167.76		906,719		2.09		$ 167.76		$ 172

-1	The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable shares reflects a closing stock price of $357.56 at December 31, 2014.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no remaining unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase the Company’s common stock at 95% of the fair market value on the last day of each three-month offering period. The Company does not record compensation expense related to employees purchasing shares under the ESPP.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	15. Employee Benefit Plans
	Deferred Compensation Plans
	Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company adopted a Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (“VDCP”) that allows participants to elect to defer between 1% and 100% of their annual cash incentive compensation. The participants must specify a deferral period of up to 10 years from the year of deferral and additionally, elect a lump sum distribution or in up to 10 annual installments. The Company may fund the obligation through the rabbi trust on behalf of the plan’s participants.
	The rabbi trust established for the VDCP, with assets totaling $64 million and $65 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is reflected in investments on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Such investments are classified as trading and other investments. The corresponding liability balance of $78 million and $64 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is reflected on the consolidated statements of financial condition as accrued compensation and benefits. Earnings in the rabbi trust, including unrealized appreciation or depreciation, are reflected as nonoperating income (expense) and changes in the corresponding liability are reflected as employee compensation and benefits expense on the consolidated statements of income.

	Other Deferred Compensation Plans. The Company has additional compensation plans for the purpose of providing deferred compensation and retention incentives to certain employees. For these plans, the final value of the deferred amount to be distributed in cash upon vesting is associated with investment returns of certain investment funds. The liabilities for these plans were $126 million and $100 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition as accrued compensation and benefits. In January 2015, the Company granted approximately $125 million of additional deferred compensation that will fluctuate with investment returns and will vest ratably over three years from the date of grant.
	Defined Contribution Plans
	The Company has several defined contribution plans primarily in the United States and United Kingdom.
	Certain of the Company’s U.S. employees participate in a defined contribution plan (“U.S. Plan”). Employee contributions of up to 8% of eligible compensation, as defined by the plan and subject to Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) limitations, are matched by the Company at 50% up to a maximum of $5,000 annually. In addition, the Company makes an annual retirement contribution to eligible participants equal to 3-5% of eligible compensation. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s expense related to the U.S. Plan was $67 million, $63 million and $59 million, respectively.
	BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited (“BIM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, contributes to a defined contribution plan for all employees of BIM (“U.K. Plan”). BIM contributes between 6% and 15% of each employee’s eligible compensation. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s expense related to this plan was $33 million, $29 million and $27 million, respectively.
	Defined Benefit Plans. The Company has several defined benefit pension plans primarily in Japan and Germany. All accrued benefits under the Germany defined benefit plan are currently frozen and the plan is closed to new participants. The participant benefits under the Germany plan will not change with salary increases or additional years of service. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the plan assets for both these plans were approximately $21 million and $22 million, respectively. The underfunded obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were not material. Benefit payments for the next five years and in aggregate for the five years thereafter are not expected to be material.
	The plan assets for the defined benefit plan in Japan (the “Japan Plan”) are invested using a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equity securities, debt securities and other investments are used to preserve asset values, diversify risk and achieve the target investment return benchmark. Investment strategies and asset allocations are based on consideration of plan liabilities and the funded status of the plan. Investment performance and asset allocation are measured and monitored on an ongoing basis. The current target allocations for the plan assets are 22% for U.S. and international equity securities, 76% for U.S. and international fixed income securities and 2% for other. The table below provides the fair value of the plan assets of the Japan Plan at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category and identifies the level of inputs used to determine the fair value of assets in each category.


	(in millions)	Quoted Prices		Significant		Total
		in Active		Other
		Markets for		Observable
		Identical Assets		Inputs
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	At December 31, 2014
	Equity securities	$	5	$	—	$	5
	Fixed income securities		—		13		13
	Fair value of plan assets	$	5	$	13	$	18
	At December 31, 2013
	Equity securities	$	6		—	$	6
	Fixed income securities		—		13		13
	Fair value of plan assets	$	6	$	13	$	19

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	16. Related Party Transactions
	Determination of Related Parties
	PNC. The Company considers PNC, along with its affiliates, to be related parties based on the level of its ownership of BlackRock capital stock. At December 31, 2014, PNC owned approximately 21.0% of the Company’s voting common stock and held approximately 22.0% of the total capital stock.
	Registered Investment Companies and Equity Method Investments. The Company considers the registered investment companies that it manages, which include mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, to be related parties as a result of the Company’s advisory relationship. In addition, equity method investments are considered related parties, due to the Company’s influence over the financial and operating policies of the investee.
	Barclays. The Company considered Barclays, along with its affiliates, to be related parties, based on its level of capital stock ownership prior to the secondary offering in May 2012 by Barclays of shares of the Company’s stock. Since May 2012, Barclays has not owned any of the Company’s capital stock and is no longer considered a related party.

	Revenue from Related Parties
	Revenues for services provided by the Company to these and other related parties are as follows:


			Year ended December 31,
	(in millions)		2014		2013		2012
	Investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue:
	PNC and affiliates		$	5	$	5	$	4
	Barclays and affiliates			—		—		5
	Registered investment companies/equity method investees			6,733		5,986		5,283
	Total investment advisory, administration fees, and securities lending revenue			6,738		5,991		5,292
	Investment advisory performance fees			173		185		120
	BlackRock Solutions and advisory:
	PNC and affiliates			7		7		7
	Equity method investees			6		11		13
	Other			—		5		3
	Total BlackRock Solutions and advisory			13		23		23
	Other revenue:
	PNC and affiliates			3		3		3
	Barclays and affiliates			—		—		11
	Equity method investees			67		58		52
	Total other revenue			70		61		66
	Total revenue from related parties		$	6,994	$	6,260	$	5,501
	The Company provides investment advisory and administration services to its open- and closed-end funds and other commingled or pooled funds and separate accounts in which related parties invest. In addition, the Company provides investment advisory and administration services to Barclays and PNC and its affiliates for fees based on AUM. Further, the Company provides risk management services to PNC. The Company records its investment advisory and administration fees net of retrocessions.

	Aggregate Expenses for Transactions with Related Parties
	Aggregate expenses included in the consolidated statements of income for transactions with related parties are as follows:


			Year ended December 31,
	(in millions)		2014		2013		2012
	Expenses with related parties:
	Distribution and servicing costs
	PNC and affiliates		$	2	$	2	$	3
	Barclays and affiliates			—		—		1
	Total distribution and servicing costs			2		2		4
	Direct fund expenses
	Barclays and affiliates			—		—		4
	Total direct fund expenses			—		—		4
	General and administration expenses
	Barclays and affiliates			—		—		5
	Other registered investment companies			55		50		49
	Other(1)			5		—		33
	Total general and administration expenses			60		50		87
	Total expenses with related parties		$	62	$	52	$	95

	-1	Amount in 2012 included a one-time pre-tax charge of $30 million related to a contribution to certain of the Company’s bank managed short-term investment funds.
	Certain Agreements and Arrangements with Barclays and PNC
	PNC. On February 27, 2009, BlackRock entered into an amended and restated implementation and stockholder agreement with PNC, and a third amendment to the share surrender agreement with PNC. See Note 19, Capital Stock, for further discussion.
	The changes contained in the amended and restated stockholder agreement with PNC, in relation to the prior agreement, among other things, (i) revised the definitions of “Fair Market Value,” “Ownership Cap,” “Ownership Percentage,” “Ownership Threshold” and “Significant Stockholder”; and (ii) amended or supplemented certain other provisions therein to incorporate series B preferred stock and series C preferred stock, respectively.
	The amendment to the share surrender agreement with PNC provided for the substitution of series C preferred stock for the shares of common stock subject to the share surrender agreement.
	In June 2009, in connection with the BGI Transaction, certain additional amendments were made to the amended and restated stockholder agreement with PNC.
	The amended and restated stockholder agreement with PNC was changed to, among other things, (i) revise the definitions of “Ownership Cap” and “Ownership Threshold,” (ii) amend or supplement certain other definitions and provisions therein to incorporate series D participating preferred stock, (iii) provide that none of the transfer restriction provisions set forth in the amended and restated stockholder agreement with PNC apply to the shares purchased by PNC as part of the financing for the BGI Transaction, (iv) amend the provision relating to the composition of BlackRock’s Board of Directors and (v) provide that the amended and restated stockholder agreement with PNC shall terminate upon the later of (A) the five year anniversary of the amended and restated stockholder agreement with PNC and (B) the first date on which PNC and its affiliates beneficially own less than 5% of the outstanding BlackRock capital stock, subject to certain other conditions specified therein.
	Barclays. In connection with the completion of its acquisition of BGI, BlackRock entered into a Stockholder Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2009 (the “Barclays Stockholder Agreement”), with Barclays and Barclays BR Holdings S.à.r.l. (“BR Holdings”, and together with Barclays, the “Barclays Parties”). Pursuant to the terms of the Barclays Stockholder Agreement, the Barclays Parties agreed, among other things, to certain transfer and voting restrictions with respect to shares of BlackRock common stock and preferred stock owned by them and their affiliates, to limits on the ability of the Barclays Parties and their affiliates to acquire additional shares of BlackRock common stock and preferred stock and to certain other restrictions. The Barclays Stockholder Agreement was terminated on May 29, 2012 in connection with its sale and capital exchange (see Note 19).
	In addition, Barclays and certain of its affiliates have been engaged by the Company to provide the use of certain indices for certain BlackRock investment funds and for a fee to provide indemnification to clients related to potential losses in connection with lending of client securities. For the five months ended May 31, 2012 fees incurred for these agreements were $9 million and were recorded within direct fund expenses and general and administration expenses.
	Receivables and Payables with Related Parties. Due from related parties, which is included within other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition was $89 million and $74 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and primarily represented receivables from certain investment products managed by BlackRock. Accounts receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013 included $747 million and $745 million, respectively, related to receivables from BlackRock mutual funds, including iShares, for investment advisory and administration services.
	Due to related parties, which is included within other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition, was $12 million and $13 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and primarily represented payables to certain investment products managed by BlackRock.

Net_Capital_Requirements

Net Capital Requirements	12 Months Ended
Net Capital Requirements	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Net Capital Requirements	17. Net Capital Requirements
	The Company is required to maintain net capital in certain regulated subsidiaries within a number of jurisdictions, which is partially maintained by retaining cash and cash equivalent investments in those subsidiaries or jurisdictions. As a result, such subsidiaries of the Company may be restricted in their ability to transfer cash between different jurisdictions and to their parents. Additionally, transfers of cash between international jurisdictions, including repatriation to the United States, may have adverse tax consequences that could discourage such transfers.
	Banking Regulatory Requirements. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BTC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is chartered as a national bank whose powers are limited to trust activities. BTC is subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Under the capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, BTC must meet specific capital guidelines that invoke quantitative measures of BTC’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under the regulatory accounting practices. BTC’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
	Quantitative measures established by regulators to ensure capital adequacy require BTC to maintain a minimum Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 leverage ratio, as well as Tier 1 and total risk-based capital ratios. Based on BTC’s calculations as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, it exceeded the applicable capital adequacy requirements.


		Actual					For Capital					To Be Well
							Adequacy					Capitalized
							Purposes					Under Prompt
												Corrective Action
												Provisions
	(in millions)	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
	December 31, 2014
	Total capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	775		142	%	$	44		8	%	$	56		10	%
	Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	775		142	%	$	22		4	%	$	33		6	%
	Tier 1 capital (to average assets)	$	775		72.1	%	$	43		4	%	$	54		5	%
	December 31, 2013
	Total capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	660		112.7	%	$	47		8	%	$	59		10	%
	Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	660		112.7	%	$	23		4	%	$	35		6	%
	Tier 1 capital (to average assets)	$	660		63.4	%	$	42		4	%	$	52		5	%

	Broker-dealers. BlackRock Investments, LLC and BlackRock Execution Services are registered broker-dealers and wholly owned subsidiaries of BlackRock that are subject to the Uniform Net Capital requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which requires maintenance of certain minimum net capital levels.

	Capital Requirements. At both December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company was required to maintain approximately $1.1 billion in net capital in certain regulated subsidiaries, including BTC, entities regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom, and the Company’s broker-dealers. The Company was in compliance with all applicable regulatory net capital requirements.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	18. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table presents changes in AOCI by component for 2014 and 2013:


	(in millions)		Unrealized Gains			Benefit Plans			Foreign			Total(1)
			(Losses) on						Currency
			Available-for-sale						Translation
			Investments						Adjustments
	December 31, 2012		$	16		$	(4	)	$	(71	)	$	(59	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before			4			10			23			37
	reclassifications(2)			4			10			23			37
	Amount reclassified from AOCI(2),(3)			(13	)		—			—			(13	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for 2013			(9	)		10			23			24
	December 31, 2013		$	7		$	6		$	(48	)	$	(35	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before			3			(2	)		(231	)		(230	)
	reclassifications(2)			3			(2	)		(231	)		(230	)
	Amount reclassified from AOCI(2),(3)			(8	)		—			—			(8	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for 2014			(5	)		(2	)		(231	)		(238	)
	December 31, 2014		$	2		$	4		$	(279	)	$	(273	)

	-1	All amounts are net of tax.

	-2	The tax benefit (expense) was not material for 2014 and 2013.

	-3	The pre-tax amount reclassified from AOCI was included in net gain (loss) on investments on the consolidated statements of income.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
Capital Stock	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock	19. Capital Stock
	The Company’s authorized common stock and nonvoting participating preferred stock, $0.01 par value, (“Preferred”) consisted of the following:


		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Common Stock		500,000,000			500,000,000
	Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock
	Series A Preferred		20,000,000			20,000,000
	Series B Preferred		150,000,000			150,000,000
	Series C Preferred		6,000,000			6,000,000
	Series D Preferred		20,000,000			20,000,000
	May 2012 Barclays Sale and Capital Exchange. BlackRock completed the secondary offering of 26,211,335 shares of common stock held by Barclays at a price of $160.00 per share, which included 23,211,335 shares of common stock issued upon the conversion of Series B Preferred by a subsidiary of Barclays.
	Upon completion of this offering, BlackRock repurchased 6,377,552 shares directly from Barclays outside the publicly announced share repurchase program at a price of $156.80 per share (consisting of 6,346,036 of Series B Preferred and 31,516 shares of common stock). The total transactions, including the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase 2,621,134 additional shares in the secondary offering, amounted to 35,210,021 shares, resulting in Barclays exiting its entire ownership position in BlackRock.
	May 2012 PNC Capital Exchange. In May 2012, PNC exchanged 2,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred for an equal number of shares of common stock.
	Other Changes. In September and October 2012, 593,786 and 2,594,070 shares of Series B Preferred, respectively, converted into an equal number of shares of common stock.
	January 2013 PNC Capital Contribution. In January 2013, PNC surrendered to BlackRock 205,350 shares of BlackRock Series C Preferred to fund certain LTIP awards in accordance with the share surrender agreement between PNC and BlackRock.
	Cash Dividends for Common and Preferred Shares / RSUs. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company paid cash dividends of $7.72 per share (or $1,338 million), $6.72 per share (or $1,168 million) and $6.00 per share (or $1,060 million), respectively.
	Share Repurchases. The Company repurchased 3.2 million common shares in open market-transactions under its share repurchase program for $1.0 billion during 2014. At December 31, 2014, there were 3.4 million shares still authorized to be repurchased.

	The Company’s common and preferred shares issued and outstanding and related activity consist of the following:


		Shares Issued															Shares Outstanding
		Common			Escrow			Treasury			Series B			Series C			Common			Series B			Series C
		Shares			Common			Common			Preferred			Preferred			Shares			Preferred			Preferred
					Shares			Shares
	December 31, 2011		139,880,380			(3,603	)		(1,413,642	)		38,328,737			1,517,237			138,463,135			38,328,737			1,517,237
	Exchange of Series B Preferred for common shares		31,159,513			—			—			(31,159,513	)		—			31,159,513			(31,159,513	)		—
	Shares repurchased		(31,516	)		—			(2,726,600	)		(6,346,036	)		—			(2,758,116	)		(6,346,036	)		—
	Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions		247,411			—			1,763,361			—			—			2,010,772			—			—
	Release of common shares from escrow		(3,603	)		3,603			—			—			—			—			—			—
	December 31, 2012		171,252,185			—			(2,376,881	)		823,188			1,517,237			168,875,304			823,188			1,517,237
	Shares repurchased		—			—			(3,689,845	)		—			—			(3,689,845	)		—			—
	Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions		—			—			1,404,229			—			—			1,404,229			—			—
	PNC LTIP capital contribution		—			—			—			—			(205,350	)		—			—			(205,350	)
	December 31, 2013		171,252,185			—			(4,662,497	)		823,188			1,311,887			166,589,688			823,188			1,311,887
	Shares repurchased		—			—			(3,175,088	)		—			—			(3,175,088	)		—			—
	Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions		—			—			1,372,188			—			—			1,372,188			—			—
	December 31, 2014		171,252,185			—			(6,465,397	)		823,188			1,311,887			164,786,788			823,188			1,311,887

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	20. Income Taxes
	The components of income tax expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012, are as follows:


	(in millions)		2014				2013				2012
	Current income tax expense:
	Federal		$	923			$	869			$	856
	State and local			54				39				49
	Foreign			258				307				186
	Total net current income tax expense			1,235				1,215				1,091
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	Federal			(73	)			(68	)			4
	State and local			(9	)			13				13
	Foreign			(22	)			(138	)			(78	)
	Total net deferred income tax expense (benefit)			(104	)			(193	)			(61	)
	Total income tax expense		$	1,131			$	1,022			$	1,030

	Income tax expense has been based on the following components of income before taxes, less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests:


	(in millions)		2014				2013				2012
	Domestic		$	2,946			$	2,814			$	2,690
	Foreign			1,479				1,140				798
	Total		$	4,425			$	3,954			$	3,488
	The foreign income before taxes includes countries that have statutory tax rates that are lower than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35%, such as the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Canada and the Netherlands.

	A reconciliation of income tax expense with expected federal income tax expense computed at the applicable federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows:


	(in millions)		2014				%				2013			%			2012			%
	Statutory income tax expense		$	1,549				35	%		$	1,383			35	%	$	1,221			35	%
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	State and local taxes (net of federal benefit)			51				1				39			1			49			2
	Impact of foreign, state, and local tax rate changes on deferred taxes			(4	)			—				(69	)		(2	)		(50	)		(2	)
	Effect of foreign tax rates			(434	)			(10	)			(329	)		(8	)		(221	)		(5	)
	Other			(31	)			—				(2	)		—			31			—
	Income tax expense		$	1,131				26	%		$	1,022			26	%	$	1,030			30	%

	Deferred income taxes are provided for the effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported amount in the consolidated financial statements. These temporary differences result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years.
	The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are shown below


			December 31,
	(in millions)		2014				2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Compensation and benefits		$	323			$	345
	Unrealized investment losses			157				99
	Loss carryforwards			47				42
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards			40				28
	Other			253				290
	Gross deferred tax assets			820				804
	Less: deferred tax valuation allowances			(29	)			(48	)
	Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowances			791				756
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Goodwill and acquired indefinite-lived intangibles			5,616				5,594
	Acquired finite-lived intangibles			65				110
	Other			89				133
	Gross deferred tax liabilities			5,770				5,837
	Net deferred tax (liabilities)		$	(4,979	)		$	(5,081	)

	Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded net when related to the same tax jurisdiction. At December 31, 2014, the Company recorded on the consolidated statement of financial condition deferred income tax assets, within other assets, and deferred income tax liabilities of $10 million and $4,989 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the Company recorded on the consolidated statement of financial condition deferred income tax assets, within other assets, and deferred income tax liabilities of $4 million and $5,085 million, respectively.
	During 2014, state and local tax changes resulted in a $4 million net noncash benefit related to the revaluation of certain deferred income tax liabilities. During 2013, tax legislation enacted in the United Kingdom and domestic state tax law changes resulted in a $69 million net noncash benefit related to the revaluation of certain deferred income tax liabilities.
	The Company had a deferred income tax asset related to unrealized investment losses of approximately $157 million and $99 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, reflecting the Company’s conclusion that based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized. U.S. Federal realized capital losses may be carried back three years and carried forward five years and offset against realized capital gains for federal income tax purposes. The Company expects to hold certain fixed income securities over a period sufficient for them to recover their unrealized losses, and to generate future capital gains sufficient to offset the unrealized capital losses.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had available state net operating loss carryforwards of $1.2 billion and $935 million, respectively, which will begin to expire in 2017. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $137 million and $109 million, respectively, of which $8 million will begin to expire in 2017 and the balance will carry forward indefinitely. At December 31, 2014, the Company had foreign tax credit carryforwards for income tax purposes of $40 million which will begin to expire in 2023.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $29 million and $48 million of valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets, respectively, recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition. The year-over-year decrease in the valuation allowance primarily related to the realization of tax loss carryforwards and certain foreign deferred income tax assets.
Goodwill recorded in connection with the Quellos Transaction has been reduced during the period by the amount of tax benefit realized from tax-deductible goodwill. See Note 9, Goodwill, for further discussion.
Current income taxes are recorded net on the consolidated statements of financial condition when related to the same tax jurisdiction. At December 31, 2014, the Company had current income taxes receivable and payable of $117 million and $125 million, respectively, recorded in other assets and accounts payable and accrued liabilities, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the Company had current income taxes receivable and payable of $89 million and $168 million, respectively, recorded in other assets and accounts payable and accrued liabilities, respectively.
The Company does not provide deferred taxes on the excess of the financial reporting over tax basis on its investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration. The excess totaled $3,871 million and $3,074 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The determination of the additional deferred income taxes on the excess has not been provided because it is not practicable due to the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.
The following tabular reconciliation presents the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits:


		Year ended December 31,
(in millions)		2014				2013				2012
Balance at January 1		$	467			$	404			$	349
Additions for tax positions of prior years			21				11				4
Reductions for tax positions of prior years			(24	)			(5	)			(1	)
Additions based on tax positions related to current year			85				67				69
Lapse of statute of limitations			(2	)			—				—
Settlements			(168	)			(12	)			(29	)
Positions assumed in acquisitions			—				2				12
Balance at December 31		$	379			$	467			$	404
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are $283 million, $304 million and $250 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, the Company accrued interest and penalties of $(25) million during 2014 and in total, as of December 31, 2014, had recognized a liability for interest and penalties of $44 million. The Company accrued interest and penalties of $(1) million during 2013 and in total, as of December 31, 2013, had recognized a liability for interest and penalties of $68 million. The Company accrued interest and penalties of $3 million during 2012 and in total, as of December 31, 2012, had recognized a liability for interest and penalties of $69 million.
BlackRock is subject to U.S. federal income tax, state and local income tax, and foreign income tax in multiple jurisdictions. Tax years after 2009 remain open to U.S. federal income tax examination. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its examination of BlackRock’s 2008 and 2009 tax years in 2014. In addition, in 2014 the IRS completed its examination of the BGI group for tax years 2007 through December 1, 2009.
In June 2014, the IRS commenced its examination of BlackRock’s 2010 through 2012 tax years, and while the impact on the consolidated financial statements is undetermined, it is not expected to be material.
The Company is currently under audit in several state and local jurisdictions. The significant state and local income tax examinations are in California for tax years 2009 through 2010, New York State and New York City for tax years 2009 through 2011, and New Jersey for tax years 2007 through 2009. No state and local income tax audits cover years earlier than 2007. No state and local income tax audits are expected to result in an assessment material to BlackRock’s consolidated financial statements.
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ (“HMRC”) United Kingdom income tax audit for various U.K. BlackRock subsidiaries is in progress for tax years 2009 through 2011. While the impact on the consolidated financial statements is undetermined, it is not expected to be material.
At December 31, 2014, it is reasonably possible the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change within the next twelve months due to completion of tax authorities’ exams or the expiration of statues of limitations. Management estimates that the existing liability for uncertain tax positions could decrease by approximately $2 million to $20 million within the next twelve months.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	21. Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS for 2014 and 2013 under the treasury stock method:


	(in millions, except shares and per share		2014			2013
	data)		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to BlackRock		$	3,294		$	2,932
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding			168,225,154			170,185,870
	Dilutive effect of nonparticipating RSUs and stock options			2,887,107			3,643,032
	Total diluted weighted-average shares outstanding			171,112,261			173,828,902
	Basic earnings per share		$	19.58		$	17.23
	Diluted earnings per share		$	19.25		$	16.87

	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS for 2012 under the two-class method:


	(in millions, except shares and per share data)		2012
	Net income attributable to BlackRock		$	2,458
	Less:
	Dividends distributed to common shares			1,059
	Dividends distributed to participating RSUs			1
	Undistributed net income attributable to BlackRock			1,398
	Percentage of undistributed net income allocated to common shares(1)			99.9	%
	Undistributed net income allocated to common shares			1,396
	Plus:
	Common share dividends			1,059
	Net income attributable to common shares		$	2,455
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding			174,961,018
	Dilutive effect of nonparticipating RSUs and stock options			3,056,661
	Total diluted weighted-average shares outstanding			178,017,679
	Basic earnings per share		$	14.03
	Diluted earnings per share		$	13.79

	-1	Allocation to common stockholders was based on the total of common shares and participating securities (which represent unvested RSUs that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends). For 2012, average outstanding participating securities were 0.2 million.
	There were no anti-dilutive RSUs for 2013. Amounts of anti-dilutive RSUs for 2014 and 2012 were immaterial. In addition, there were no anti-dilutive stock options for 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
Segment Information	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	22. Segment Information
	The following table illustrates investment advisory, administration fees, securities lending revenue and performance fees, BlackRock Solutions and advisory revenue, distribution fees and other revenue for 2014, 2013 and 2012.


	(in millions)	2014		2013		2012
	Equity	$	5,337	$	4,816	$	4,334
	Fixed income		2,171		1,996		1,900
	Multi-asset		1,236		1,063		972
	Alternatives		1,103		1,104		968
	Cash management		292		321		361
	Total investment advisory, administration fees, securities lending revenue and performance fees		10,139		9,300		8,535
	BlackRock Solutions and advisory		635		577		518
	Distribution fees		70		73		71
	Other revenue		237		230		213
	Total revenue	$	11,081	$	10,180	$	9,337

	The following table illustrates total revenue for 2014, 2013 and 2012 by geographic region. These amounts are aggregated on a legal entity basis and do not necessarily reflect where the customer resides.


	(in millions)
	Revenue	2014		2013		2012
	Americas	$	7,286	$	6,829	$	6,429
	Europe		3,246		2,832		2,460
	Asia-Pacific		549		519		448
	Total revenue	$	11,081	$	10,180	$	9,337
	The following table illustrates long-lived assets that consist of goodwill and property and equipment at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 by geographic region. These amounts are aggregated on a legal entity basis and do not necessarily reflect where the asset is physically located.


	(in millions)
	Long-lived Assets	2014		2013		2012
	Americas	$	13,151	$	13,204	$	13,238
	Europe		194		214		166
	Asia-Pacific		83		87		63
	Total long-lived assets	$	13,428	$	13,505	$	13,467
	Americas primarily is comprised of the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile and Mexico, while Europe primarily is comprised of the United Kingdom. Asia-Pacific is comprised of Japan, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, India, Malaysia and China.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	23. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)


	(in millions, except shares and per share data)
	2014		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter(1),(4)		3rd Quarter(2),(5)		4th Quarter(3)
	Revenue		$	2,670	$	2,778	$	2,849	$	2,784
	Operating income		$	1,051	$	1,122	$	1,157	$	1,144
	Net income		$	744	$	841	$	873	$	806
	Net income attributable to BlackRock		$	756	$	808	$	917	$	813
	Earnings per share attributable to BlackRock, Inc. common stockholders:
	Basic		$	4.47	$	4.79	$	5.46	$	4.86
	Diluted		$	4.4	$	4.72	$	5.37	$	4.77
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
	Basic			169,081,421		168,712,221		167,933,040		167,197,844
	Diluted			171,933,803		171,150,153		170,778,766		170,367,445
	Dividend declared per share		$	1.93	$	1.93	$	1.93	$	1.93
	Common stock price per share:
	High		$	323.89	$	319.85	$	336.47	$	364.4
	Low		$	286.39	$	293.71	$	301.1	$	303.91
	Close		$	314.48	$	319.6	$	328.32	$	357.56


	2013
	Revenue		$	2,449	$	2,482	$	2,472	$	2,777
	Operating income		$	909	$	849	$	966	$	1,133
	Net income		$	666	$	706	$	729	$	850
	Net income attributable to BlackRock		$	632	$	729	$	730	$	841
	Earnings per share attributable to BlackRock, Inc. common stockholders:
	Basic		$	3.69	$	4.27	$	4.3	$	4.98
	Diluted		$	3.62	$	4.19	$	4.21	$	4.86
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
	Basic			171,301,800		170,648,731		169,811,633		169,010,606
	Diluted			174,561,132		173,873,583		173,371,508		172,999,529
	Dividend declared per share		$	1.68	$	1.68	$	1.68	$	1.68
	Common stock price per share:
	High		$	258.7	$	291.69	$	286.62	$	316.47
	Low		$	212.77	$	245.3	$	255.26	$	262.75
	Close		$	256.88	$	256.85	$	270.62	$	316.47

	-1	The second quarter of 2014 included a $23 million net noncash tax expense, primarily associated with the revaluation of certain deferred income tax liabilities arising from the state and local tax effect of changes in the Company’s organizational structure. In addition, the second quarter of 2014 benefited from an improvement in the geographic mix of earnings and included a $34 million net tax benefit related to several favorable nonrecurring items.

	-2	The third quarter of 2014 included a $32 million noncash tax benefit, primarily associated with the revaluation of certain deferred income tax liabilities related to intangible assets and goodwill as a result of domestic state and local tax changes.

		In addition, the third quarter of 2014 included a $94 million tax benefit, primarily due to the resolution of certain outstanding tax matters related to the acquisition of BGI. In connection with the acquisition, BlackRock recorded a $50 million indemnification asset for unrecognized tax benefits. Due to the resolution of such tax matters, BlackRock recorded $50 million of general and administration expense to reflect the reduction of the indemnification asset and an offsetting $50 million tax benefit.

	-3	The fourth quarter of 2014 benefited from $39 million of nonrecurring tax items.

	-4	In the second quarter of 2013 in connection with the PennyMac IPO the Company recorded a noncash, nonoperating pre-tax gain of $39 million related to the carrying value of its equity method investment. In connection with the Charitable Contribution, the Company recorded an expense of $124 million and a noncash, nonoperating pre-tax gain of $80 million related to the contributed investment. For further information, see Note 11, Other Assets.

		In addition, the second quarter of 2013 included a tax benefit of approximately $57 million recognized in connection with the Charitable Contribution and a tax benefit of approximately $29 million, primarily due to the realization of tax loss carryforwards.

	-5	The third quarter of 2013 included a $64 million net noncash tax benefit primarily related to the revaluation of certain deferred income tax liabilities, including the effect of legislation enacted in the United Kingdom and domestic state and local income tax changes.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	24. Subsequent Events
	Share Repurchase Approval. In January 2015, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved an increase in the availability of shares that may be repurchased under the Company’s existing share repurchase program to allow for the repurchase of up to a total of 9.4 million additional shares of BlackRock common stock.

	Dividend Approval. On January 14, 2015, the Board approved BlackRock’s quarterly dividend of $2.18 to be paid on March 24, 2015 to stockholders of record on March 6, 2015.
	Other. The Company conducted a review for additional subsequent events and determined that no additional subsequent events had occurred that would require accrual or additional disclosures.

Introduction_and_Basis_of_Pres1

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statements of financial condition represents the portion of consolidated sponsored investment funds in which the Company does not have direct equity ownership. Accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Certain items previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents primarily consists of cash, money market funds and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less in which the Company is exposed to market and credit risk. Cash and cash equivalent balances that are legally restricted from use by the Company are recorded in other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Cash balances maintained by consolidated sponsored investment funds are not considered legally restricted and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Cash balances maintained by consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) are included in assets of consolidated variable interest entities on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Investments	Investments. Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities. BlackRock classifies debt and marketable equity investments as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity based on the Company’s intent to sell the security or, for a debt security, the Company’s intent and ability to hold the debt security to maturity.
	Trading securities are those investments that are purchased principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Trading securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition with changes in fair value recorded in nonoperating income (expense) on the consolidated statements of income in the period of the change.
	Held-to-maturity debt securities are purchased with the positive intent and ability to be held to maturity and are recorded at amortized cost on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
	Available-for-sale securities are those securities that are not classified as trading or held-to-maturity. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition with changes in fair value recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component of stockholders’ equity in the period of the change. Upon the disposition of an available-for-sale security, the Company reclassifies the gain or loss on the security from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to nonoperating income (expense) on the consolidated statements of income.
	Equity Method. For equity investments where BlackRock does not control the investee, and where it is not the primary beneficiary (“PB”) of a VIE, but can exert significant influence over the financial and operating policies of the investee, the Company follows the equity method of accounting. BlackRock’s share of the investee’s underlying net income or loss is recorded as net gain (loss) on investments within nonoperating income (expense) and as other revenue for certain strategic investments since such companies are considered to be an extension of BlackRock’s core business. BlackRock’s share of net income of the investee is recorded based upon the most current information available at the time, which may precede the date of the consolidated statement of financial condition. Distributions received from the investment reduce the Company’s carrying value of the investee and the cost basis if deemed to be a return of capital.
	Cost Method. For nonmarketable equity investments where BlackRock neither controls nor has significant influence over the investee, the investments are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. Dividends received from the investment are recorded as dividend income within nonoperating income (expense).
	Impairments of Investments. Management periodically assesses equity method, available-for-sale, held-to-maturity and cost investments for impairment. If circumstances indicate that impairment may exist, investments are evaluated using market values, where available, or the expected future cash flows of the investment. If the undiscounted expected future cash flows are lower than the Company’s carrying value of the investment and the Company determines an impairment exists, an impairment charge is recorded on the consolidated statement of income.
	When the fair value of available-for-sale securities is lower than cost, the Company evaluates the securities to determine whether the impairment is considered “other-than-temporary.”
	In making this determination for equity securities, the Company considers, among other factors, the length of time the security has been in a loss position, the extent to which the security’s market value is less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the security’s issuer and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a length of time sufficient to allow for recovery of such unrealized losses. If the impairment is considered other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in nonoperating income (expense) on the consolidated statements of income.
	In making this determination for debt securities, the Company considers whether: (1) it has the intent to sell the security; (2) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery; or (3) it expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If the Company does not intend to sell a security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security but the security has suffered a credit loss, the credit loss will be bifurcated from the total impairment and recorded in earnings with the remaining portion recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Consolidation	Consolidation. For investment products in which BlackRock’s voting interest is less than 50%, an analysis is performed to determine if the investment product is a VIE or a voting rights entity.
	Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. Certain investment products for which a controlling financial interest is achieved through arrangements that do not involve or are not directly linked to voting interests are deemed VIEs. BlackRock reviews factors, including whether the entity has equity that is sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated support from other parties and the rights and obligations of the equity holders to receive expected residual returns or absorb expected losses, to determine if the investment product is a VIE. BlackRock continuously evaluates such factors as facts and circumstances change. BlackRock is required to consolidate a VIE when it is deemed to be the PB.
	The Company uses two methods for determining whether it is the PB of VIEs in accordance with current accounting guidance depending on the nature and characteristics of the VIE. For collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), the Company is deemed to be PB if it has the power to direct activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that potentially could be significant to the VIE. For certain sponsored investment funds, including money markets, the Company is deemed to be the PB, if it absorbs the majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both.
	Consolidation of Voting Rights Entities. To the extent that BlackRock can exert control over the financial and operating policies of the investee, which generally exists if there is a 50% or greater voting interest or if partners or members of certain products do not have substantive rights, BlackRock consolidates the investee.
	The Company, as general partner or managing member of certain sponsored investment funds, generally is presumed to control funds that are limited partnerships or limited liability companies. The Company reviews such investment vehicles to determine if such a presumption can be overcome by determining whether other nonaffiliated partners or members of the limited partnership or limited liability company have the substantive ability to dissolve (liquidate) the investment vehicle, or to otherwise remove BlackRock as the general partner or managing member without cause based on an unaffiliated simple majority vote, or have other substantive participating rights. If the presumption of control is not overcome, BlackRock will consolidate the investment vehicle.
	Retention of Specialized Accounting Principles. Upon consolidation of certain sponsored investment funds, the Company retains the specialized accounting principles of the underlying funds. All of the underlying investments held by such consolidated sponsored investment funds are carried at fair value with corresponding changes in the investments’ fair values reflected in nonoperating income (expense) on the consolidated statements of income. When the Company no longer controls these funds due to reduced ownership percentage or other reasons, the funds are deconsolidated and accounted for under another accounting method if the Company still maintains an investment.
Separate Account Assets and Liabilities	Separate Account Assets and Liabilities. Separate account assets are maintained by BlackRock Life Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, which is a registered life insurance company in the United Kingdom, and represent segregated assets held for purposes of funding individual and group pension contracts. The life insurance company does not underwrite any insurance contracts that involve any insurance risk transfer from the insured to the life insurance company. The separate account assets primarily include equity securities, debt securities, money market funds and derivatives. The separate account assets are not subject to general claims of the creditors of BlackRock. These separate account assets and the related equal and offsetting liabilities are recorded as separate account assets and separate account liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
	The net investment income attributable to separate account assets supporting individual and group pension contracts accrues directly to the contract owner and is not reported on the consolidated statements of income. While BlackRock has no economic interest in these separate account assets and liabilities, BlackRock earns policy administration and management fees associated with these products, which are included in investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue on the consolidated statements of income.
Separate Account Collateral Assets Held and Liabilities Under Securities Lending Agreements	Separate Account Collateral Assets Held and Liabilities Under Securities Lending Agreements. The Company facilitates securities lending arrangements whereby securities held by separate accounts maintained by BlackRock Life Limited are lent to third parties under global master securities lending agreements. In exchange, the Company receives collateral with minimum values generally ranging from approximately 102% to 112% of the value of the securities lent in order to reduce counterparty risk. The required collateral value is calculated on a daily basis. The global master securities lending agreements provide the Company the right to request additional collateral or, in the event of borrower default, the right to liquidate collateral. Under the Company’s securities lending arrangements, the Company can resell or repledge the collateral and the borrower can resell or repledge the loaned securities. The securities lending transactions entered into by the Company are accompanied by an agreement that entitles the Company to request the borrower to return the securities at any time; therefore, these transactions are not reported as sales.
	As a result of the Company’s ability to resell or repledge the collateral, the Company records on the consolidated statements of financial condition the cash and noncash collateral received under these BlackRock Life Limited securities lending arrangements as its own asset in addition to an equal and offsetting collateral liability for the obligation to return the collateral. During 2014 and 2013, the Company had not resold or repledged any of the collateral received under these arrangements. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of loaned securities held by separate accounts was approximately $30.6 billion and $19.7 billion, respectively, and the fair value of the collateral held under these securities lending agreements was approximately $33.7 billion and $21.8 billion, respectively.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is generally determined by cost less any estimated residual value using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of property and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term.
	BlackRock develops a variety of risk management, investment analytic and investment system services for internal use, utilizing proprietary software that is hosted and maintained by BlackRock. The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use. Capitalized software costs are included within property and equipment on the consolidated statements of financial condition and are amortized, beginning when the software project is put into production, over the estimated useful life of the software of approximately three years.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill represents the cost of a business acquisition in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired. In its assessment of goodwill for impairment, the Company considers such factors as the book value and market capitalization of the Company. On a quarterly basis, the Company considers if triggering events have occurred that may indicate a potential goodwill impairment. If a triggering event has occurred, the Company performs assessments, which may include reviews of significant valuation assumptions, to determine if goodwill may be impaired. The Company performs an impairment assessment of its goodwill at least annually as of July 31st.
	Intangible assets are comprised of indefinite-lived intangible assets and finite-lived intangible assets acquired in a business acquisition. The value of contracts to manage assets in proprietary open-end funds and collective trust funds and certain other commingled products without a specified termination date is generally classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets. The assignment of indefinite lives to such contracts primarily is based upon the following: (i) the assumption that there is no foreseeable limit on the contract period to manage these products; (ii) the Company expects to, and has the ability to, continue to operate these products indefinitely; (iii) the products have multiple investors and are not reliant on a single investor or small group of investors for their continued operation; (iv) current competitive factors and economic conditions do not indicate a finite life; and (v) there is a high likelihood of continued renewal based on historical experience. In addition, trade names/trademarks are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets when they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely.
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill are not amortized. Finite-lived management contracts, which relate to acquired separate accounts and funds with a specified termination date, are amortized over their remaining useful lives.
	The Company performs assessments to determine if any intangible assets are potentially impaired and whether the indefinite-lived and finite-lived classifications are still appropriate. The carrying value of finite-lived management contracts and their remaining useful lives are reviewed at least annually to determine if circumstances exist which may indicate a potential impairment. The Company performs such impairment assessments of its intangible assets including indefinite-lived management contracts and trade names/trademarks, at least annually, as of July 31st. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of indefinite-lived intangibles is less than its carrying value, BlackRock assesses various significant qualitative factors, including assets under management (“AUM”), revenue basis points, projected AUM growth rates, operating margins, tax rates and discount rates. In addition, the Company considers other factors, including (i) macroeconomic conditions such as a deterioration in general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, or other developments in equity and credit markets; (ii) industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which the entity operates, an increased competitive environment, a decline in market-dependent multiples or metrics, a change in the market for an entity’s services, or regulatory, legal or political developments; and (iii) entity-specific events, such as a change in management or key personnel, overall financial performance and litigation that could affect significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset.
	If potential impairment circumstances are considered to exist, the Company will perform an impairment test using an undiscounted cash flow analysis. Actual results could differ from these cash flow estimates, which could materially impact the impairment conclusion. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its current fair value would be recognized as an expense in the period in which the impairment occurs.
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests. The Company reports noncontrolling interests as equity, separate from the parent’s equity, on the consolidated statements of financial condition. In addition, the Company’s consolidated net income on the consolidated statements of income includes the income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest holders of the Company’s consolidated sponsored investment funds and CLOs. Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is not adjusted for income taxes for consolidated sponsored investment funds and CLOs that are treated as pass-through entities for tax purposes.
Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities	Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities. The Company includes redeemable noncontrolling interests related to certain consolidated sponsored investment funds in temporary equity on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Appropriated Retained Earnings	Appropriated Retained Earnings. Upon the consolidation of CLOs, BlackRock records an adjustment to appropriated retained earnings on the consolidated statements of financial condition equal to the difference between the fair value of the CLOs’ assets and the fair value of their liabilities. Such amounts are recorded as appropriated retained earnings as the CLO noteholders ultimately will receive the benefits or absorb the losses associated with the CLOs’ assets and liabilities. The net change in the fair value of the CLOs’ assets and liabilities is recorded as net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests and as a change to appropriated retained earnings.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock. The Company records common stock purchased for treasury at cost. At the date of subsequent reissuance, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock using the average cost method.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue. Investment advisory and administration fees are recognized as the services are performed. Such fees are primarily based on pre-determined percentages of the market value of AUM or committed capital. Investment advisory and administration fees are affected by changes in AUM, including market appreciation or depreciation, foreign exchange translation and net inflows or outflows. Investment advisory and administration fees for investment funds are shown net of fees waived pursuant to contractual expense limitations of the funds or voluntary waivers.
	The Company contracts with third parties and related parties for various mutual fund distribution and shareholder servicing to be performed on behalf of certain funds the Company manages. Such arrangements generally are priced as a portion of the management fee paid by the fund. In certain cases, the fund (primarily international funds) takes on the primary responsibility for payment for services such that the Company bears no credit risk to the third party. The Company accounts for such retrocession arrangements in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605-45, Revenue Recognition – Principal Agent Considerations, and records its management fees net of retrocessions. Retrocessions for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $891 million, $785 million and $793 million, respectively, and were reflected net in investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue on the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company also earns revenue by lending securities as an agent on behalf of clients, primarily to brokerage institutions. Revenue is accounted for on an accrual basis. The revenue earned is shared between the Company and the funds or other third-party accounts managed by the Company from which the securities are borrowed.
	Investment Advisory Performance Fees / Carried Interest. The Company receives investment advisory performance fees or incentive allocations from certain actively managed investment funds and certain separately managed accounts (“SMAs”). These performance fees are dependent upon exceeding specified relative or absolute investment return thresholds. Such fees are recorded upon completion of the measurement period, which varies by product or account, and could be monthly, quarterly, annually or longer.
	In addition, the Company receives carried interest from certain alternative investment products upon exceeding performance thresholds. BlackRock may be required to return all, or part, of such carried interest depending upon future performance of these funds. Therefore, BlackRock records carried interest subject to such clawback provisions in investments or cash, to the extent that it is distributed, on its consolidated statements of financial condition. Carried interest is recorded as performance fee revenue upon the earlier of the termination of the investment fund or when the likelihood of clawback is considered mathematically improbable.
	The Company records a deferred carried interest liability to the extent it receives cash or capital allocations related to carried interest prior to meeting the revenue recognition criteria. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $105 million and $108 million, respectively, of deferred carried interest recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. The ultimate recognition of performance fee revenue, if any, for these products is unknown.
	BlackRock Solutions and Advisory. BlackRock provides a variety of risk management, investment analytic, enterprise investment system and financial markets advisory services to financial institutions, pension funds, asset managers, foundations, consultants, mutual fund sponsors, real estate investment trusts and government agencies. These services are provided under the brand name BlackRock Solutions and include a wide array of risk management services, valuation of illiquid securities, disposition and workout assignments (including long-term portfolio liquidation assignments), strategic planning and execution, and enterprise investment system outsourcing to clients. Fees earned for BlackRock Solutions and advisory services are recorded as services are performed and are determined using some, or all, of the following methods: (i) percentages of various attributes of advisory AUM or value of positions on the Aladdin platform, (ii) fixed fees and (iii) performance fees if contractual thresholds are met. The fees earned for BlackRock Solutions and advisory services are recorded in BlackRock Solutions and advisory on the consolidated statements of income.
	Other Revenue. The Company earns fees for transition management services comprised of commissions from acting as an introducing broker-dealer in buying and selling securities on behalf of the Company’s customers. Commissions related to transition management services are recorded on a trade-date basis as securities transactions occur and are reflected in other revenue on the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company earns commissions revenue upon the sale of unit trusts and Class A mutual funds. Revenue is recorded at the time of the sale of the product.
	Other revenue also includes equity method investment earnings related to certain strategic investments and marketing fees earned for services to distribute iPath® products, which are exchange-traded notes issued by Barclays.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation. Entities are required to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The compensation cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period) in exchange for the stock-based award.
	The Company measures the grant-date fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) using the Company’s share price on the date of grant. For employee share options and instruments with market conditions, the Company uses pricing models. If an equity award is modified after the grant date, incremental compensation cost is recognized for an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. Awards under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans vest over various periods. Compensation cost is recorded by the Company on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separate vesting portion of the award as if the award is, in-substance, multiple awards. Compensation cost is reduced by the number of awards expected to be forfeited prior to vesting. Forfeiture estimates generally are derived using historical forfeiture information, where available, and are reviewed for reasonableness at least quarterly.
	The Company amortizes the grant-date fair value of stock-based compensation awards made to retirement-eligible employees over the requisite service period. Upon notification of retirement, the Company accelerates the unamortized portion of the award over the contractually required retirement notification period, if applicable.
Distribution and Servicing Costs	Distribution and Servicing Costs. Distribution and servicing costs include payments to third parties, primarily associated with distribution and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products. Distribution and servicing costs are expensed when incurred.
Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions	Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions. The Company holds the rights to receive certain cash flows from sponsored mutual funds sold without a front-end sales charge (“back-end load shares”). The carrying value of these deferred mutual fund commissions is recorded within other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition and is being amortized over periods between one and six years. The Company receives distribution fees from these funds and contingent deferred sales commissions (“CDSCs”) upon shareholder redemption of certain back-end load shares that are recorded within distribution fees on the consolidated statements of income. Upon receipt of CDSCs, the Company records revenue and the remaining unamortized deferred sales commission is expensed.
Direct Fund Expenses	Direct Fund Expenses. Direct fund expenses, which are expensed as incurred, primarily consist of third-party nonadvisory expenses incurred by BlackRock related to certain funds for the use of certain index trademarks, reference data for certain indices, custodial services, fund administration, fund accounting, transfer agent services, shareholder reporting services, audit and tax services as well as other fund-related expenses directly attributable to the nonadvisory operations of the fund.
Leases	Leases. The Company accounts for its operating leases, which may include escalation clauses, in accordance with ASC 840-10, Leases. The Company expenses the lease payments associated with operating leases evenly during the lease term (including rent-free periods) commencing when the Company obtains the right to control the use of the leased property.
Foreign Exchange	Foreign Exchange. Monetary assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries having non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at exchange rates at the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition. Nonmonetary assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries having non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity, on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in general and administration expense on the consolidated statements of income. For 2014, 2013 and 2012, the gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions were immaterial.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases using currently enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred income tax assets and liabilities is recognized on the consolidated statements of income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	Management periodically assesses the recoverability of its deferred income tax assets based upon expected future earnings, taxable income in prior carryback years, future deductibility of the asset, changes in applicable tax laws and other factors. If management determines that it is not more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be fully recoverable in the future, a valuation allowance will be established for the difference between the asset balance and the amount expected to be recoverable in the future. This allowance will result in additional income tax expense. Further, the Company records its income taxes receivable and payable based upon its estimated income tax position.
	Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation are recognized as additional paid-in capital and are reflected as financing cash flows on the consolidated statements of cash flows. If the Company does not have additional paid-in capital credits (cumulative tax benefits recorded to additional paid-in capital), the Company will record an expense for any deficit, or shortfall, between the recorded tax benefit and tax return benefit. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, BlackRock had excess additional paid-in capital credits to absorb potential future deficits between recorded tax benefits and tax return benefits.
Earnings per Share ("EPS")	Earnings per Share (“EPS”). Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the determinants of basic EPS and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed using the treasury stock method.
	Due to the similarities in terms between BlackRock’s nonvoting participating preferred stock and the Company’s common stock, the Company considers its nonvoting participating preferred stock to be a common stock equivalent for purposes of EPS calculations. As such, the Company has included the outstanding nonvoting participating preferred stock in the calculation of average basic and diluted shares outstanding.
	Prior to 2013, the Company calculated EPS pursuant to the two-class method, which specifies that all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents are considered participating securities and should be included in the computation of EPS. The Company’s participating securities consisted of its unvested share-based payment awards that contained rights to nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents. The dilutive effect of participating securities was calculated under the more dilutive of either the treasury stock method or the two-class method. The Company’s remaining participating securities vested in January 2013.
Business Segments	Business Segments. The Company’s management directs BlackRock’s operations as one business, the asset management business. As such, the Company operates in one business segment as defined in ASC 280-10, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280-10”).
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements.
	Hierarchy of Fair Value Inputs. The Company uses a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
	Level 1 Inputs:
	Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the reporting date.

		•	Level 1 assets may include listed mutual funds (including those accounted for under the equity method of accounting as these mutual funds are investment companies that have publicly available net asset values (“NAVs”), which in accordance with GAAP, are calculated under fair value measures and the changes in fair values are equal to the earnings of such funds), ETFs, listed equities and certain exchange-traded derivatives.
	Level 2 Inputs:
	Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities that are not active; quotes from pricing services or brokers for which the Company can determine that orderly transactions took place at the quoted price or that the inputs used to arrive at the price are observable; and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, such as models or other valuation methodologies. As a practical expedient, the Company uses the NAV (or its equivalent) of certain investments as their fair value.

		•	Level 2 assets may include debt securities, bank loans, short-term floating-rate notes, asset-backed securities, securities held within consolidated hedge funds, certain equity method limited partnership interests in hedge funds valued based on NAV (or its equivalent) where the Company has the ability to redeem at the measurement date or within the near term without redemption restrictions, restricted public securities valued at a discount, as well as over-the-counter derivatives, including interest and inflation rate swaps and foreign currency exchange contracts that have inputs to the valuations that generally can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3 Inputs:
	Unobservable inputs for the valuation of the asset or liability, which may include nonbinding broker quotes. Level 3 assets include investments for which there is little, if any, market activity. These inputs require significant management judgment or estimation. Certain investments that are valued using a NAV (or its equivalent) and are subject to current redemption restrictions that will not be lifted in the near term are included in Level 3.

		•	Level 3 assets may include general and limited partnership interests in private equity funds, funds of private equity funds, real estate funds, hedge funds, funds of hedge funds, direct private equity investments held within consolidated funds, bank loans and bonds.

		•	Level 3 liabilities include borrowings of consolidated CLOs valued based upon nonbinding single-broker quotes and contingent liabilities related to acquisitions valued based upon discounted cash flow analysis using unobservable market data.

		•	Level 3 inputs include BlackRock capital accounts for its partnership interests in various alternative investments, including distressed credit hedge funds, opportunistic funds, real estate and private equity funds, which may be adjusted by using the returns of certain market indices.
Significance of Inputs	Significance of Inputs. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.
Valuation Techniques	Valuation Techniques. The fair values of certain Level 3 assets and liabilities were determined using various methodologies as appropriate, including NAVs of underlying investments, third-party pricing vendors, broker quotes and market and income approaches. Such quotes and modeled prices are evaluated for reasonableness through various procedures, including due diligence reviews of third-party pricing vendors, variance analyses, consideration of the current market environment and other analytical procedures.
	As a practical expedient, the Company uses NAV as the fair value for certain investments. The inputs to value these investments may include BlackRock capital accounts for its partnership interests in various alternative investments, including distressed credit hedge funds, opportunistic funds, real estate and private equity funds, which may be adjusted by using the returns of certain market indices. The various partnerships generally are investment companies, which record their underlying investments at fair value based on fair value policies established by management of the underlying fund. Fair value policies at the underlying fund generally require the fund to utilize pricing/valuation information from third-party sources, including independent appraisals. However, in some instances, current valuation information for illiquid securities or securities in markets that are not active may not be available from any third-party source or fund management may conclude that the valuations that are available from third-party sources are not reliable. In these instances, fund management may perform model-based analytical valuations that may be used as an input to value these investments.
	A significant number of inputs used to value equity, debt securities and bank loans is sourced from third-party pricing vendors. Generally, prices obtained from pricing vendors are categorized as Level 1 inputs for identical securities traded in active markets and as Level 2 for other similar securities if the vendor uses observable inputs in determining the price. Annually, BlackRock’s internal valuation committee or other designated groups review both the valuation methodologies, including the general assumptions and methods used to value various asset classes, and operational processes with these vendors. On a quarterly basis, meetings are held with key vendors to identify any significant changes to the vendors’ processes.
	In addition, quotes obtained from brokers generally are nonbinding and categorized as Level 3 inputs. However, if the Company is able to determine that market participants have transacted for the asset in an orderly manner near the quoted price or if the Company can determine that the inputs used by the broker are observable, the quote is classified as a Level 2 input.
Fair Value Option	Fair Value Option. The Company applies the fair value option provisions for eligible assets and liabilities, including bank loans and borrowings, held by consolidated CLOs to mitigate accounting mismatches between the carrying value of the assets and liabilities and to achieve operational simplification. To the extent there is a difference between the change in fair value of the assets and liabilities, the difference is reflected as net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statements of income and offset by a change in appropriated retained earnings on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company may use derivative financial instruments primarily for purposes of hedging exposures to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates of certain assets and liabilities, and market exposures for certain seed investments. The Company may also use derivatives within its separate account assets, which are segregated funds held for purposes of funding individual and group pension contracts. In addition, certain consolidated sponsored investment funds may also invest in derivatives as a part of their investment strategy.
	Changes in the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments are generally recognized in earnings and, where applicable, are offset by the corresponding gain or loss on the related foreign-denominated assets or liabilities or hedged investments, on the consolidated statements of income.
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2014	Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2014
	Cumulative Translation Adjustment. In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity (“ASU 2013-05”). ASU 2013-05 addresses the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 on January 1, 2014 was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
	Investment Company Guidance. In June 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-08, Financial Services – Investment Companies: Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements (“ASU 2013-08”). ASU 2013-08 amends the current criteria for an entity to qualify as an investment company, creates new disclosure requirements and amends the measurement criteria for certain interests in other investment companies. The adoption of ASU 2013-08 on January 1, 2014 was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
	Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit. In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). The adoption of ASU 2013-11 on January 1, 2014 was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09, which is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017.
	Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis and Measuring the Financial Assets and the Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-13, Measuring the Financial Assets and the Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity (“ASU 2014-13”). ASU 2014-13 provides an entity that consolidates a collateralized financing entity (“CFE”) that had elected the fair value option for the financial assets and financial liabilities of such CFE an alternative to current fair value measurement guidance. If elected, the Company could measure both the financial assets and the financial liabilities of the CFE by using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities. The election would effectively eliminate any measurement difference previously recorded as net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests and as an adjustment to appropriated retained earnings.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”), which significantly amends the consolidation analysis required under current consolidation guidance. The amendments include changes to: (i) the VIE analysis for limited partnerships; (ii) the criteria for evaluating whether fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider are a variable interest; (iii) the effect of fee arrangements on the PB determination; (iv) the effect of related parties on the PB determination; and (v) the consolidation evaluation for certain investment funds. This includes a scope exception for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds.
	ASU 2014-13 and ASU 2015-02 are effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, with retrospective or modified retrospective approach required. ASU 2014-13 permits early adoption as of the beginning of an annual period. ASU 2015-02 permits early adoption in an interim period with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact to the consolidated financial statements of adopting all of the provisions of ASU 2015-02 and ASU 2014-13.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Investments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Carrying Value of Total Investments	A summary of the carrying value of total investments is as follows:


	(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)		2014			2013
	Available-for-sale investments		$	201		$	183
	Held-to-maturity investments			79			83
	Trading investments:
	Consolidated sponsored investment funds			443			385
	Other equity and debt securities			29			43
	Deferred compensation plan mutual funds			64			58
	Total trading investments			536			486
	Other investments:
	Consolidated sponsored investment funds			270			441
	Equity method investments			633			697
	Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			21			39
	Cost method investments(1)			96			119
	Carried interest			85			103
	Total other investments			1,105			1,399
	Total investments		$	1,921		$	2,151

	-1	Amounts primarily include Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) Stock.
Summary of Cost and Carrying Value of Investments Classified as Available-for-Sale Investments	A summary of the cost and carrying value of investments classified as available-for-sale investments is as follows:


	(in millions)					Gross Unrealized						Carrying
	December 31, 2014		Cost			Gains			Losses			Value
	Equity securities of sponsored investment funds		$	205		$	5		$	(9	)	$	201

	December 31, 2013
	Equity securities of sponsored investment funds		$	180		$	4		$	(4	)	$	180
	Other securities			1			2			—			3
	Total available-for-sale investments		$	181		$	6		$	(4	)	$	183
Summary of Sale Activity in Available-for-Sale-Securities	A summary of sale activity in available-for-sale securities during 2014, 2013 and 2012 is shown below.


			Year ended December 31,
	(in millions)		2014			2013			2012
	Sales proceeds		$	155		$	139		$	134
	Net realized gain (loss):
	Gross realized gains		$	14		$	20		$	8
	Gross realized losses			(3	)		(1	)		(1	)
	Net realized gain (loss)		$	11		$	19		$	7
Summary of Cost and Carrying Value of Trading Investments	A summary of the cost and carrying value of trading investments is as follows:


			December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	(in millions)		Cost			Carrying			Cost			Carrying
	(in millions)		Cost			Value			Cost			Value
	Trading investments:
	Deferred compensation plan mutual funds		$	48		$	64		$	49		$	58
	Equity securities/multi-asset mutual funds			210			239			174			184
	Debt securities/fixed income mutual funds:
	Corporate debt			109			110			128			128
	Government debt			100			103			121			116
	Asset/mortgage backed debt			20			20			—			—
	Total trading investments		$	487		$	536		$	472		$	486
Summary of Cost and Carrying Value of Other Investments	A summary of the cost and carrying value of other investments is as follows:


			December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	(in millions)		Cost			Carrying			Cost			Carrying
	(in millions)		Cost			Value			Cost			Value
	Other investments:
	Consolidated sponsored investment funds		$	268		$	270		$	420		$	441
	Equity method			518			633			613			697
	Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			21			21			37			39
	Cost method investments:
	Federal Reserve Bank stock			92			92			90			90
	Other			4			4			17			29
	Total cost method investments			96			96			107			119
	Carried interest			—			85			—			103
	Total other investments		$	903		$	1,105		$	1,177		$	1,399

Consolidated_Sponsored_Investm1

Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds Included in Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition	The following table presents the balances related to these consolidated funds that were included on the consolidated statements of financial condition as well as BlackRock’s net interest in these funds:



	(in millions)	December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)	2014			2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	120		$	114
	Investments:
	Trading investments		443			385
	Other investments		270			441
	Other assets		20			20
	Other liabilities		(18	)		(39	)
	Noncontrolling interests		(139	)		(189	)
	BlackRock’s net interests in consolidated investment funds	$	696		$	732

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and other assets not held at fair value


	December 31, 2014		Quoted Prices in				Significant Other				Significant			Other Assets				December 31,
	(in millions)		Active				Observable Inputs				Unobservable			Not Held at Fair				2014
			Markets for				(Level 2)				Inputs			Value(1)
			Identical Assets								(Level 3)
			(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Investments
	Available-for-sale:
	Equity securities of sponsored investment funds		$	198			$	3			$	—		$	—			$	201
	Held-to-maturity debt securities			—				—				—			79				79
	Trading:
	Deferred compensation plan mutual funds			64				—				—			—				64
	Equity/Multi-asset mutual funds			239				—				—			—				239
	Debt securities / fixed income mutual funds			11				222				—			—				233
	Total trading			314				222				—			—				536
	Other investments:
	Consolidated sponsored investment funds private / public equity(2)			11				11				248			—				270
	Equity method:
	Hedge funds / Funds of hedge funds			—				213				64			5				282
	Private equity investments			—				—				107			—				107
	Real estate funds			—				21				88			8				117
	Fixed income mutual funds			29				—				—			—				29
	Other			98				—				—			—				98
	Total equity method			127				234				259			13				633
	Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			—				—				21			—				21
	Cost method investments			—				—				—			96				96
	Carried interest			—				—				—			85				85
	Total investments			650				470				528			273				1,921
	Separate account assets			113,566				46,866				—			855				161,287
	Separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements:
	Equity securities			30,387				—				—			—				30,387
	Debt securities			—				3,267				—			—				3,267
	Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements			30,387				3,267				—			—				33,654
	Assets of consolidated VIEs:
	Bank loans and other assets			—				2,958				302			32				3,292
	Bonds			—				29				18			—				47
	Private / public equity(3)			—				3				10			—				13
	Total assets of consolidated VIEs			—				2,990				330			32				3,352
	Total		$	144,603			$	53,593			$	858		$	1,160			$	200,214
	Liabilities:
	Borrowings of consolidated VIEs		$	—			$	—			$	3,389		$	—			$	3,389
	Separate account collateral liabilities under securities lending agreements			30,387				3,267				—			—				33,654
	Other liabilities(4)			—				5				39			—				44
	Total		$	30,387			$	3,272			$	3,428		$	—			$	37,087

	-1	Amounts are comprised of investments held at cost or amortized cost, carried interest and certain equity method investments, which include sponsored investment funds and other assets, which are not accounted for under a fair value measure. In accordance with GAAP, certain equity method investees do not account for both their financial assets and liabilities under fair value measures; therefore, the Company’s investment in such equity method investees may not represent fair value.

	-2	Level 3 amounts include $168 million and $80 million of underlying third-party private equity funds and direct investments in private equity companies held by private equity funds, respectively.

	-3	Level 3 amounts include $10 million of underlying third-party private equity funds held by a consolidated private equity fund of fund.

	-4	Amounts include a derivative (see Note 7, Derivatives and Hedging, for more information) and contingent liabilities related to the acquisitions of the Credit Suisse ETF franchise and MGPA (see Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information).

	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and other assets not held at fair value


	December 31, 2013		Quoted Prices				Significant Other				Significant			Other Assets				December 31,
	(in millions)		in Active				Observable Inputs				Unobservable			Not				2013
			Markets for				(Level 2)				Inputs			Held at Fair
			Identical Assets								(Level 3)			Value(1)
			(Level 1)
Assets:
Investments
Available-for-sale:
Equity securities of sponsored investment funds		$	180			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	180
Other securities			—				3				—			—				3
Total available-for-sale			180				3				—			—				183
Held-to-maturity debt securities			—				—				—			83				83
Trading:
Deferred compensation plan mutual funds			58				—				—			—				58
Equity/Multi-asset mutual funds			184				—				—			—				184
Debt securities / fixed income mutual funds			31				213				—			—				244
Total trading			273				213				—			—				486
Other investments:
Consolidated sponsored investment funds:
Hedge funds / Funds of funds			—				135				24			—				159
Private / public equity(2)			5				13				223			41				282
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds			5				148				247			41				441
Equity method:
Hedge funds / Funds of hedge funds			—				177				99			63				339
Private equity investments			—				—				101			—				101
Real estate funds			—				20				98			7				125
Fixed income mutual funds			113				—				—			—				113
Equity/Multi-asset, alternative mutual funds			19				—				—			—				19
Total equity method			132				197				298			70				697
Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			—				10				29			—				39
Cost method investments			—				—				—			119				119
Carried interest			—				—				—			103				103
Total investments			590				571				574			416				2,151
Separate account assets			113,382				40,841				—			890				155,113
Separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements:
Equity securities			20,856				—				—			—				20,856
Debt securities			—				932				—			—				932
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements			20,856				932				—			—				21,788
Other assets(3)			—				39				—			—				39
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
Bank loans and other assets			—				2,047				129			19				2,195
Bonds			—				71				35			—				106
Private / public equity(4)			—				10				14			—				24
Total assets of consolidated VIEs			—				2,128				178			19				2,325
Total		$	134,828			$	44,511			$	752		$	1,325			$	181,416
Liabilities:
Borrowings of consolidated VIEs		$	—			$	—			$	2,369		$	—			$	2,369
Separate account collateral liabilities under securities lending agreements			20,856				932				—			—				21,788
Other liabilities(5)			18				4				42			—				64
Total		$	20,874			$	936			$	2,411		$	—			$	24,221

-1	Amounts are comprised of investments held at cost or amortized cost, carried interest and certain equity method investments, which include sponsored investment funds and other assets, which are not accounted for under a fair value measure. Certain equity method investees do not account for both their financial assets and liabilities under fair value measures; therefore, the Company’s investment in such equity method investees may not represent fair value.

-2	Level 3 amounts include $195 million and $28 million of underlying third-party private equity funds and direct investments in private equity companies held by private equity funds, respectively.

-3	Amount includes company-owned and split-dollar life insurance policies and unrealized gains on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

-4	Level 3 amounts include $14 million of underlying third-party private equity funds held by a sponsored private equity fund of fund.

-5	Amounts include a derivative (see Note 7, Derivatives and Hedging, for more information), securities sold short within consolidated sponsored investment funds and contingent liabilities related to the acquisitions of the Credit Suisse ETF franchise and MGPA (see Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information).
Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for 2014


	(in millions)		December 31,				Realized				Purchases			Sales and				Issuances				Transfers				Transfers				December 31,			Total net
			2013				and							maturities				and other				into				out of				2014			unrealized
							unrealized											settlements(1)				Level 3				Level 3							gains
							gains																										(losses)
							(losses) in																										included
							earnings																										in
							and OCI																										earnings(3)
	Assets:
	Investments:
	Consolidated sponsored investment funds:
	Hedge funds / Funds of funds		$	24			$	—			$	—		$	(23	)		$	(1	)		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Private equity			223				12				45			(72	)			(1	)			41	(2)			—				248			7
	Equity method:
	Hedge funds / Funds of hedge funds			99				5				19			(19	)			(40	)			—				—				64			5
	Private equity investments			101				15				17			—				(26	)			—				—				107			15
	Real estate funds			98				13				8			(5	)			(26	)			—				—				88			12
	Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			29				—				—			—				(8	)			—				—				21			—
	Total Level 3 investments			574				45				89			(119	)			(102	)			41				—				528			39
	Assets of consolidated VIEs:
	Bank loans			129				(9	)			210			(96	)			46				302				(280	)			302
	Bonds			35				—				—			(17	)			—				—				—				18
	Private equity			14				1				—			(5	)			—				—				—				10
	Total Level 3 assets of consolidated VIEs			178				(8	)			210			(118	)			46				302				(280	)			330			n/a	(4)
	Total Level 3 assets		$	752			$	37			$	299		$	(237	)		$	(56	)		$	343			$	(280	)		$	858		$	39
	Liabilities:
	Borrowings of consolidated VIEs		$	2,369			$	77			$	—		$	—			$	1,097			$	—			$	—			$	3,389			n/a	(4)
	Other liabilities			42				(1	)			—			—				(4	)			—				—				39			n/a
	Total Level 3 liabilities		$	2,411			$	76			$	—		$	—			$	1,093			$	—			$	—			$	3,428

	n/a	— not applicable

	-1	Amount primarily includes distributions from equity method investees and loans and net proceeds from borrowings of consolidated VIEs.

	-2	Includes investments previously held at cost.

	-3	Earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the reporting date.

	-4	The net gain (loss) on consolidated VIEs is solely attributable to noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statements of income.

	Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for 2013


	(in millions)		December 31,				Realized				Purchases			Sales and				Issuances				Transfers				Transfers				December 31,			Total net
			2012				and							maturities				and other				into				out of				2013			unrealized
							unrealized											settlements(1)				Level 3				Level 3							gains
							gains																										(losses)
							(losses) in																										included
							earnings																										in
							and OCI																										earnings(2)
	Assets:
	Investments:
	Available-for-sale:
	Equity securities of sponsored investment funds		$	1			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	(1	)		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Consolidated sponsored investment funds:
	Hedge funds / Funds of funds			73				8				12			(19	)			(34	)			—				(16	)			24			4
	Private equity			266				37				16			(82	)			—				—				(14	)			223			25
	Equity method:
	Hedge funds / Funds of hedge funds			161				16				7			(11	)			(74	)			—				—				99			9
	Private equity investments			90				21				14			(10	)			(14	)			—				—				101			21
	Real estate funds			88				20				7			—				(17	)			—				—				98			20
	Deferred compensation plan equity method investments			—				—				—			—				29				—				—				29			—
Total Level 3 investments			679				102				56			(122	)			(111	)			—				(30	)			574			79
Separate account assets:			2				—				—			(2	)			—				—				—				—			n/a	(3)
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
Bank loans			106				—				109			(60	)			16				117				(159	)			129
Bonds			46				1				4			(16	)			—				—				—				35
Private equity			22				2				—			(7	)			—				—				(3	)			14
Funds of hedge funds			—				—				134			—				(134	)			—				—				—
Total Level 3 assets of consolidated VIEs			174				3				247			(83	)			(118	)			117				(162	)			178			n/a	(4)
Total Level 3 assets		$	855			$	105			$	303		$	(207	)		$	(229	)		$	117			$	(192	)		$	752		$	79
Liabilities:
Borrowings of consolidated VIEs		$	2,402			$	(14	)		$	—		$	—			$	(47	)		$	—			$	—			$	2,369			n/a	(4)
Other liabilities			—				—				—			—				42				—				—				42			—
Total Level 3 liabilities		$	2,402			$	(14	)		$	—		$	—			$	(5	)		$	—			$	—			$	2,411

n/a	— not applicable

-1	Amounts include distributions from equity method investees, repayments of borrowings of consolidated VIEs, loans and borrowings related to the consolidation of one additional CLO, elimination of investment related to a deconsolidation of a consolidated VIE and a reclassification of an investment from a consolidated sponsored investment fund to an equity method investment due to a change in ownership percentage. Amounts also include the acquisition of deferred compensation plan equity method investments and contingent liabilities related to the acquisitions of Credit Suisse’s ETF franchise and MGPA.

-2	Earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the reporting date.

-3	The net investment income attributable to separate account assets accrues directly to the contract owners and is not reported on the consolidated statements of income.

-4	The net gain (loss) on consolidated VIEs is solely attributable to noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statements of income.
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities	Disclosures of Fair Value for Financial Instruments Not Held at Fair Value. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments not held at fair value are categorized in the table below.


			December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	(in millions)		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying			Estimated				Fair Value
	(in millions)		Amount				Fair Value				Amount			Fair Value				Hierarchy
	Financial Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	5,723			$	5,723			$	4,390		$	4,390				Level 1	(1),(2)
	Accounts receivable			2,120				2,120				2,247			2,247				Level 1	(3)
	Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated VIEs			278				278				161			161				Level 1	(1)

	Financial Liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			1,035				1,035				1,084			1,084				Level 1	(3)
	Long-term borrowings			4,938				5,309				4,939			5,284				Level 2	(4)

	-1	Cash and cash equivalents are carried at either cost or amortized cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.

	-2	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $100 million and $64 million, respectively, of money market funds were recorded within cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Money market funds are valued based on quoted market prices, or $1.00 per share, which generally is the NAV of the fund.

	-3	The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.

	-4	Long-term borrowings are recorded at amortized cost. The fair value of the long-term borrowings, including the current portion of long-term borrowings, is estimated using market prices at the end of December 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 12, Borrowings, for the fair value of each of the Company’s long-term borrowings.
Investments in Certain Entities Calculate Net Asset Value per Share	The following tables list information regarding all investments that use a fair value measurement to account for both their financial assets and financial liabilities in their calculation of a NAV per share (or equivalent).

	December 31, 2014


	(in millions)		Ref				Fair Value				Total Unfunded			Redemption				Redemption
	(in millions)		Ref				Fair Value				Commitments			Frequency				Notice Period
	Consolidated sponsored investment funds:
	Private equity funds of funds			(a	)		$	168			$	22			n/r				n/r
	Equity method:(1)
	Hedge funds/funds of hedge funds			(b	)			277				39			Monthly	(29%)			1 – 90 days
															Quarterly	(48%)
															n/r	(23%)
	Private equity funds			(c	)			107				61			n/r				n/r
	Real estate funds			(d	)			109				1			Quarterly	(19%)			60 days
	Real estate funds			(d	)			109				1			n/r	(81%)			60 days
	Deferred compensation plan investments			(e	)			21				5			n/r				n/r
	Consolidated VIEs:
	Private equity fund			(f	)			10				1			n/r				n/r
	Total						$	692			$	129

	December 31, 2013


	(in millions)		Ref				Fair Value				Total Unfunded			Redemption				Redemption
	(in millions)		Ref				Fair Value				Commitments			Frequency				Notice Period
	Consolidated sponsored investment funds:
	Private equity funds of funds			(a	)		$	195			$	23			n/r				n/r
	Other funds of hedge funds			(g	)			155				—			Monthly	(13%),			30 –90 days
															Quarterly	(78%),
															n/r	(9%)
	Equity method:(1)
	Hedge funds/funds of hedge funds			(b	)			276				84			Monthly	(55%),			15 –90 days
															Quarterly	(11%)
															n/r	(34%)
	Private equity funds			(c	)			101				62			n/r				n/r
	Real estate funds			(d	)			118				12			Quarterly	(17%)			60 days
	Real estate funds			(d	)			118				12			n/r	(83%)			60 days
	Deferred compensation plan investments			(e	)			39				7			Monthly	(8%),			60 –90 days
															Quarterly	(18%)
															n/r	(74%)
	Consolidated VIEs:
	Private equity fund			(f	)			14				1			n/r				n/r
	Total						$	898			$	189

	n/r	– not redeemable

	-1	Comprised of equity method investments, which include investment companies, which account for their financial assets and most financial liabilities under fair value measures; therefore, the Company’s investment in such equity method investees approximates fair value.

	(a)	This category includes the underlying third-party private equity funds within consolidated BlackRock sponsored private equity funds of funds. The fair values of the investments in the third-party funds have been estimated using capital accounts representing the Company’s ownership interest in each fund in the portfolio as well as other performance inputs. These investments are not subject to redemption; however, for certain funds, the Company may sell or transfer its interest, which may need approval by the general partner of the underlying funds. Due to the nature of the investments in this category, the Company reduces its investment by distributions that are received through the realization of the underlying assets of the funds. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be liquidated over a weighted-average period of approximately seven years at both December 31, 2014 and 2013. The total remaining unfunded commitments to other third-party funds were $22 million and $23 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company had contractual obligations to the consolidated funds of $31 million and $30 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

	(b)	This category includes hedge funds and funds of hedge funds that invest primarily in equities, fixed income securities, distressed credit, opportunistic and mortgage instruments and other third-party hedge funds. The fair values of the investments have been estimated using the NAV of the Company’s ownership interest in partners’ capital. It was estimated that the investments in the funds that are not subject to redemption will be liquidated over a weighted-average period of approximately two and three years at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

	(c)	This category includes several private equity funds that initially invest in nonmarketable securities of private companies, which ultimately may become public in the future. The fair values of these investments have been estimated using capital accounts representing the Company’s ownership interest in the funds as well as other performance inputs. The Company’s investment in each fund is not subject to redemption and is normally returned through distributions as a result of the liquidation of the underlying assets of the private equity funds. It was estimated that the investments in these funds will be liquidated over a weighted-average period of approximately four years and five years at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

	(d)	This category includes several real estate funds that invest directly in real estate and real estate related assets. The fair values of the investments have been estimated using capital accounts representing the Company’s ownership interest in the funds. A majority of the Company’s investments are not subject to redemption or are not currently redeemable and are normally returned through distributions as a result of the liquidation of the underlying assets of the real estate funds. It is estimated that the investments in these funds not subject to redemptions will be liquidated over a weighted-average period of approximately seven years at both December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013.

	(e)	This category includes investments in several real estate funds and certain hedge funds that invest in energy and health science related equity securities. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated using capital accounts representing the Company’s ownership interest in partners’ capital as well as performance inputs. The investments in hedge funds will be redeemed upon settlement of certain deferred compensation liabilities. The real estate investments are not subject to redemption; however, distributions as a result of the liquidation of the underlying assets will be used to settle certain deferred compensation liabilities over time.

	(f)	This category includes the underlying third-party private equity funds within one consolidated BlackRock sponsored private equity fund of funds. The fair values of the investments in the third-party funds have been estimated using capital accounts representing the Company’s ownership interest in each fund in the portfolio as well as other performance inputs. These investments are not subject to redemption; however, for certain funds the Company may sell or transfer its interest, which may need approval by the general partner of the underlying third-party funds. Due to the nature of the investments in this category, the Company reduces its investment by distributions that are received through the realization of the underlying assets of the funds. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be liquidated over a weighted-average period of approximately one year at December 31, 2014 and two years at December 31, 2013. Total remaining unfunded commitments to other third-party funds were not material at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, which commitments are required to be funded by capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders.

	(g)	At December 31, 2013, this category included consolidated funds of hedge funds that invested in multiple strategies to diversify risks. The fair values of the investments had been estimated using the NAV of the fund’s ownership interest in partners’ capital of each fund in the portfolio. Certain of the underlying funds could be redeemed as long as there were no restrictions in place. The underlying funds that were currently restricted from redemptions within one year would become redeemable in approximately 12 to 24 months. This category also included a consolidated offshore feeder fund that invested in a master fund with multiple alternative investment strategies. The fair value of this investment had been estimated using the NAV of the master offshore fund held by the feeder fund. The investment was currently subject to restrictions in place by the underlying master fund.
Summary of Information Related to those Assets and Liabilities Selected for Fair Value Accounting	The following table summarizes information related to those assets and liabilities selected for fair value accounting at December 31, 2014 and 2013:


	(in millions)		December 31,				December 31,
	(in millions)		2014				2013
	CLO Bank Loans:
	Aggregate principal amounts outstanding		$	3,338			$	2,181
	Fair value			3,260				2,176
	Aggregate unpaid principal balance in excess of (less than) fair value		$	78			$	5
	Unpaid principal balance of loans more than 90 days past due		$	6			$	14
	Aggregate fair value of loans more than 90 days past due			2				9
	Aggregate unpaid principal balance in excess of fair value for loans more than 90 days past due		$	4			$	5
	CLO Borrowings:
	Aggregate principal amounts outstanding		$	3,508			$	2,455
	Fair value		$	3,389			$	2,369

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Balances Relating to Variable Interest Entities in which BlackRock is Primary Beneficiary	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the following balances related to VIEs were recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition:


	(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)		2014			2013
	Assets of consolidated VIEs:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	278		$	161
	Bank loans			3,260			2,176
	Bonds			47			106
	Other investments and other assets			45			43
	Total bank loans, bonds, other investments and other assets			3,352			2,325
	Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:
	Borrowings			(3,389	)		(2,369	)
	Other liabilities			(245	)		(74	)
	Appropriated retained earnings			19			(22	)
	Noncontrolling interests of consolidated VIEs			(15	)		(21	)
	Total BlackRock net interests in consolidated VIEs		$	—		$	—
Balances Relating to Variable Interest Entities in which BlackRock is Not Primary Beneficiary	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s carrying value of assets and liabilities pertaining to its variable interests in VIEs and its maximum risk of loss related to VIEs for which it was the sponsor or in which it held a variable interest, but for which it was not the PB, was as follows:



	(in millions)		Variable Interests on the Consolidated
	(in millions)		Statement of Financial Condition
	At December 31, 2014		Investments			Advisory			Other Net			Maximum
						Fee			Assets			Risk of Loss(1)
						Receivables			(Liabilities)
	CDOs/CLOs		$	—		$	2		$	(5	)	$	19
	Other sponsored investment funds:
	Collective trusts			—			191			—			191
	Other			57			177			(3	)		234
	Total		$	57		$	370		$	(8	)	$	444
	At December 31, 2013
	CDOs/CLOs		$	—		$	1		$	(4	)	$	18
	Other sponsored investment funds:
	Collective trusts			—			184			—			184
	Other			37			137			(6	)		174
	Total		$	37		$	322		$	(10	)	$	376

	-1	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, BlackRock’s maximum risk of loss associated with these VIEs primarily related to collecting advisory fee receivables and BlackRock’s investments.
Unconsolidated Collateralized Debt or Loan Obligations	The net assets of the above CDOs/CLOs that the Company does not consolidate were as follows:
	CDOs/CLOs


	(in billions)		December 31,			December 31,
	(in billions)		2014			2013
	Assets at fair value		$	1		$	1
	Liabilities(1)			2			2
	Net assets		$	(1	)	$	(1	)

	-1	Amounts primarily comprised of unpaid principal debt obligations to CDO/CLO debt holders.

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consists of the following:


	(in millions)		Estimated useful		December 31,
	(in millions)		life-in years		2014		2013
	Property and equipment:
	Building			39	$	17	$	17
	Building improvements			15		14		14
	Leasehold improvements			15-Jan		478		501
	Equipment and computer software			3		387		451
	Other transportation equipment			10		56		56
	Furniture and fixtures			7		93		93
	Other			N/A		9		4
	Total					1,054		1,136
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization					587		611
	Property and equipment, net				$	467	$	525

	N/A	– Not Applicable

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill Activity	Goodwill activity during 2014 and 2013 was as follows:


	(in millions)		2014			2013
	Beginning of year balance		$	12,980		$	12,910
	Acquisitions(1)			—			73
	Goodwill adjustments related to Quellos and other(2)			(19	)		(3	)
	End of year balance		$	12,961		$	12,980

	-1	The 2013 amount primarily represents $29 million of goodwill from the Company’s acquisition of MGPA, an independently managed private equity real estate investment advisory company primarily in Asia and Europe, on October 4, 2013 for approximately $66 million (the “MGPA Transaction”) and $44 million of goodwill from the Company’s acquisition of Credit Suisse’s ETF franchise on July 1, 2013 for approximately $273 million (the “Credit Suisse ETF Transaction”).

	-2	The decrease in goodwill during both 2014 and 2013 primarily resulted from a decline of approximately $20 million related to tax benefits realized from tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill from the acquisition of the fund-of-funds business of Quellos Group, LLC in October 2007 (the “Quellos Transaction”). Goodwill related to the Quellos Transaction will continue to be reduced in future periods by the amount of tax benefits realized from tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill from the Quellos Transaction. The balance of the Quellos tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill was approximately $263 million and $293 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:


	(in millions)		Remaining		Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Net Carrying
			Weighted-		Amount		Amortization		Amount
			Average
			Estimated
			Useful Life
	At December 31, 2014
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Management contracts			N/A	$	15,579	$	—	$	15,579
	Trade names / trademarks			N/A		1,403		—		1,403
	License			N/A		6		—		6
	Total indefinite-lived intangible assets					16,988		—		16,988
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Management contracts			3.8		1,390		1,036		354
	Intellectual property			3.6		6		4		2
	Total finite-lived intangible assets			3.8		1,396		1,040		356
	Total intangible assets				$	18,384	$	1,040	$	17,344
	At December 31, 2013
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Management contracts			N/A	$	15,582	$	—	$	15,582
	Trade names / trademarks			N/A		1,403		—		1,403
	License			N/A		6		—		6
	Total indefinite-lived intangible assets					16,991		—		16,991
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Management contracts			4.3		1,561		1,054		507
	Intellectual property			4.6		6		3		3
	Total finite-lived intangible assets			4.3		1,567		1,057		510
	Total intangible assets				$	18,558	$	1,057	$	17,501

	N/A	— Not Applicable
Estimated Amortization Expense for Finite-lived Intangible Assets	Estimated amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years is as follows:


	(in millions)
	Year		Amount
	2015		$	126
	2016			91
	2017			74
	2018			24
	2019			22

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Borrowings (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Long-Term Borrowings	The carrying value and fair value of long-term borrowings estimated using market prices at December 31, 2014 included the following:


	(in millions)	Maturity Amount		Unamortized			Carrying Value		Fair Value
	(in millions)	Maturity Amount		Discount			Carrying Value		Fair Value
	1.375% Notes due 2015	$	750	$	—		$	750	$	753
	6.25% Notes due 2017		700		(1	)		699		785
	5.00% Notes due 2019		1,000		(2	)		998		1,134
	4.25% Notes due 2021		750		(3	)		747		825
	3.375% Notes due 2022		750		(3	)		747		783
	3.50% Notes due 2024		1,000		(3	)		997		1,029
	Total Long-term Borrowings	$	4,950	$	(12	)	$	4,938	$	5,309

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Commitments under Operating Leases	Future minimum commitments under these operating leases are as follows:


	(in millions)
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	126
	2016		111
	2017		112
	2018		111
	2019		105
	Thereafter		613
	Total	$	1,178

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Components of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	The components of stock-based compensation expense are as follows:


			Year ended December 31,
	(in millions)		2014			2013			2012
	Stock-based compensation:
	Restricted stock and RSUs		$	421		$	415		$	429
	Long-term incentive plans to be funded by PNC			32			33			22
	Total stock-based compensation		$	453		$	448		$	451
Restricted Stock and RSU Activity	Restricted stock and RSU activity for 2014 is summarized below.


	Outstanding at		Restricted			Weighted
			Stock and			Average
			Units			Grant Date
						Fair Value
	December 31, 2013			4,612,813		$	207.94
	Granted			1,476,276		$	319.48
	Converted			(2,593,251	)	$	205.87
	Forfeited			(93,929	)	$	241.02
	December 31, 2014(1)			3 ,401,909		$	257.01

	-1	At December 31, 2014, approximately 3.2 million awards are expected to vest and 0.2 million awards have vested but have not been converted.
Summary of RSUs Granted under Award Plan	RSUs granted under the Award Plan primarily related to the following:


			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Awards granted as part of annual incentive compensation that vest ratably over three years from the date of grant			1,022,295			1,172,381			1,365,691
	Awards granted that cliff vest 100% on:
	January 31, 2015			—			—			418,038
	January 31, 2016			—			370,812			—
	January 31, 2017			287,963			—			—
				1,310,258			1,543,193			1,783,729
Stock Option Activity	Stock option activity for 2014 is summarized below.



	Outstanding at		Shares			Weighted
			under			average
			option			exercise
						price
	December 31, 2013			931,758		$	167.76
	Exercised(1)			(25,039	)	$	167.76
	December 31, 2014(1)			906,719		$	167.76

	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $4 million, $19 million and $157 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014, all options were vested.
Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable	Stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 were as follows:


			Options Outstanding and Exercisable
	Exercise		Options		Weighted	Weighted		Aggregate
	Prices		Outstanding		Average	Average		Intrinsic
					Remaining	Exercise		Value of
					Life	Price		Exercisable
					(years)			Shares(1) (in
								millions)
	$ 167.76		906,719		2.09	$ 167.76		$ 172

	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable shares reflects a closing stock price of $357.56 at December 31, 2014.
Market Performance-Based RSUs [Member]
Restricted Stock and RSU Activity	Market performance-based RSU activity for 2014 is summarized below.


	Outstanding at		Market			Weighted
			Performance-			Average
			Based RSUs			Grant Date
						Fair Value
	December 31, 2013			1,132,113		$	120.80
	Granted			315,961		$	195.3
	Forfeited			(22,755	)	$	121.13
	December 31, 2014(1)			1,425,319		$	137.31

	-1	At December 31, 2014, approximately 1.4 million awards are expected to vest and an immaterial amount of awards have vested and have not been converted.
Schedule of Fair Value of Market Performance-Based Award at Grant Date	The fair value was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions:


	Grant		Risk-Free			Performance			Expected			Expected
	Year		Interest			Period			Stock			Dividend
			Rate						Volatility			Yield
	2012			1.21	%		6			33.63	%		2.99	%
	2013			1.05	%		6			25.85	%		2.89	%
	2014			2.05	%		6			27.4	%		2.42	%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Values of Defined Benefit Plan Assets by Asset Category	The table below provides the fair value of the plan assets of the Japan Plan at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category and identifies the level of inputs used to determine the fair value of assets in each category.


	(in millions)	Quoted Prices		Significant		Total
		in Active		Other
		Markets for		Observable
		Identical Assets		Inputs
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	At December 31, 2014
	Equity securities	$	5	$	—	$	5
	Fixed income securities		—		13		13
	Fair value of plan assets	$	5	$	13	$	18
	At December 31, 2013
	Equity securities	$	6		—	$	6
	Fixed income securities		—		13		13
	Fair value of plan assets	$	6	$	13	$	19

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Revenues for Services Provided to Related Parties	Revenues for services provided by the Company to these and other related parties are as follows:


			Year ended December 31,
	(in millions)		2014		2013		2012
	Investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue:
	PNC and affiliates		$	5	$	5	$	4
	Barclays and affiliates			—		—		5
	Registered investment companies/equity method investees			6,733		5,986		5,283
	Total investment advisory, administration fees, and securities lending revenue			6,738		5,991		5,292
	Investment advisory performance fees			173		185		120
	BlackRock Solutions and advisory:
	PNC and affiliates			7		7		7
	Equity method investees			6		11		13
	Other			—		5		3
	Total BlackRock Solutions and advisory			13		23		23
	Other revenue:
	PNC and affiliates			3		3		3
	Barclays and affiliates			—		—		11
	Equity method investees			67		58		52
	Total other revenue			70		61		66
	Total revenue from related parties		$	6,994	$	6,260	$	5,501
Aggregate Expenses Included in Consolidated Statements of Income for Transactions with Related Parties	Aggregate expenses included in the consolidated statements of income for transactions with related parties are as follows:


			Year ended December 31,
	(in millions)		2014		2013		2012
	Expenses with related parties:
	Distribution and servicing costs
	PNC and affiliates		$	2	$	2	$	3
	Barclays and affiliates			—		—		1
	Total distribution and servicing costs			2		2		4
	Direct fund expenses
	Barclays and affiliates			—		—		4
	Total direct fund expenses			—		—		4
	General and administration expenses
	Barclays and affiliates			—		—		5
	Other registered investment companies			55		50		49
	Other(1)			5		—		33
	Total general and administration expenses			60		50		87
	Total expenses with related parties		$	62	$	52	$	95

	-1	Amount in 2012 included a one-time pre-tax charge of $30 million related to a contribution to certain of the Company’s bank managed short-term investment funds.

Net_Capital_Requirements_Table

Net Capital Requirements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Net Capital Requirements (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Summary of Capital Adequacy Requirements	Actual					For Capital					To Be Well
						Adequacy					Capitalized
						Purposes					Under Prompt
											Corrective Action
											Provisions
	(in millions)	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
	December 31, 2014
	Total capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	775		142	%	$	44		8	%	$	56		10	%
	Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	775		142	%	$	22		4	%	$	33		6	%
	Tier 1 capital (to average assets)	$	775		72.1	%	$	43		4	%	$	54		5	%
	December 31, 2013
	Total capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	660		112.7	%	$	47		8	%	$	59		10	%
	Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	660		112.7	%	$	23		4	%	$	35		6	%
	Tier 1 capital (to average assets)	$	660		63.4	%	$	42		4	%	$	52		5	%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table presents changes in AOCI by component for 2014 and 2013:


	(in millions)		Unrealized Gains			Benefit Plans			Foreign			Total(1)
			(Losses) on						Currency
			Available-for-sale						Translation
			Investments						Adjustments
	December 31, 2012		$	16		$	(4	)	$	(71	)	$	(59	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before			4			10			23			37
	reclassifications(2)			4			10			23			37
	Amount reclassified from AOCI(2),(3)			(13	)		—			—			(13	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for 2013			(9	)		10			23			24
	December 31, 2013		$	7		$	6		$	(48	)	$	(35	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before			3			(2	)		(231	)		(230	)
	reclassifications(2)			3			(2	)		(231	)		(230	)
	Amount reclassified from AOCI(2),(3)			(8	)		—			—			(8	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for 2014			(5	)		(2	)		(231	)		(238	)
	December 31, 2014		$	2		$	4		$	(279	)	$	(273	)

	-1	All amounts are net of tax.

	-2	The tax benefit (expense) was not material for 2014 and 2013.

	-3	The pre-tax amount reclassified from AOCI was included in net gain (loss) on investments on the consolidated statements of income.

Capital_Stock_Tables

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Capital Stock (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Common and Preferred Shares Authorized, Issued and Outstanding and Related Activity	The Company’s authorized common stock and nonvoting participating preferred stock, $0.01 par value, (“Preferred”) consisted of the following:


		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Common Stock		500,000,000			500,000,000
	Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock
	Series A Preferred		20,000,000			20,000,000
	Series B Preferred		150,000,000			150,000,000
	Series C Preferred		6,000,000			6,000,000
	Series D Preferred		20,000,000			20,000,000

	The Company’s common and preferred shares issued and outstanding and related activity consist of the following:


		Shares Issued															Shares Outstanding
		Common			Escrow			Treasury			Series B			Series C			Common			Series B			Series C
		Shares			Common			Common			Preferred			Preferred			Shares			Preferred			Preferred
					Shares			Shares
	December 31, 2011		139,880,380			(3,603	)		(1,413,642	)		38,328,737			1,517,237			138,463,135			38,328,737			1,517,237
	Exchange of Series B Preferred for common shares		31,159,513			—			—			(31,159,513	)		—			31,159,513			(31,159,513	)		—
	Shares repurchased		(31,516	)		—			(2,726,600	)		(6,346,036	)		—			(2,758,116	)		(6,346,036	)		—
	Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions		247,411			—			1,763,361			—			—			2,010,772			—			—
	Release of common shares from escrow		(3,603	)		3,603			—			—			—			—			—			—
	December 31, 2012		171,252,185			—			(2,376,881	)		823,188			1,517,237			168,875,304			823,188			1,517,237
	Shares repurchased		—			—			(3,689,845	)		—			—			(3,689,845	)		—			—
	Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions		—			—			1,404,229			—			—			1,404,229			—			—
	PNC LTIP capital contribution		—			—			—			—			(205,350	)		—			—			(205,350	)
	December 31, 2013		171,252,185			—			(4,662,497	)		823,188			1,311,887			166,589,688			823,188			1,311,887
	Shares repurchased		—			—			(3,175,088	)		—			—			(3,175,088	)		—			—
	Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions		—			—			1,372,188			—			—			1,372,188			—			—
	December 31, 2014		171,252,185			—			(6,465,397	)		823,188			1,311,887			164,786,788			823,188			1,311,887

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income Tax Expense	The components of income tax expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012, are as follows:


	(in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Current income tax expense:
	Federal	$	923		$	869		$	856
	State and local		54			39			49
	Foreign		258			307			186
	Total net current income tax expense		1,235			1,215			1,091
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	Federal		(73	)		(68	)		4
	State and local		(9	)		13			13
	Foreign		(22	)		(138	)		(78	)
	Total net deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(104	)		(193	)		(61	)
	Total income tax expense	$	1,131		$	1,022		$	1,030
Components of Income before Taxes, Less Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	Income tax expense has been based on the following components of income before taxes, less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests:


	(in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	2,946		$	2,814		$	2,690
	Foreign		1,479			1,140			798
	Total	$	4,425		$	3,954		$	3,488
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense with Expected Federal Income Tax Expense	A reconciliation of income tax expense with expected federal income tax expense computed at the applicable federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows:


	(in millions)	2014			%			2013			%			2012			%
	Statutory income tax expense	$	1,549			35	%	$	1,383			35	%	$	1,221			35	%
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	State and local taxes (net of federal benefit)		51			1			39			1			49			2
	Impact of foreign, state, and local tax rate changes on deferred taxes		(4	)		—			(69	)		(2	)		(50	)		(2	)
	Effect of foreign tax rates		(434	)		(10	)		(329	)		(8	)		(221	)		(5	)
	Other		(31	)		—			(2	)		—			31			—
	Income tax expense	$	1,131			26	%	$	1,022			26	%	$	1,030			30	%
Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are shown below


		December 31,
	(in millions)	2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Compensation and benefits	$	323		$	345
	Unrealized investment losses		157			99
	Loss carryforwards		47			42
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards		40			28
	Other		253			290
	Gross deferred tax assets		820			804
	Less: deferred tax valuation allowances		(29	)		(48	)
	Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowances		791			756
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Goodwill and acquired indefinite-lived intangibles		5,616			5,594
	Acquired finite-lived intangibles		65			110
	Other		89			133
	Gross deferred tax liabilities		5,770			5,837
	Net deferred tax (liabilities)	$	(4,979	)	$	(5,081	)
Reconciliation of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following tabular reconciliation presents the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits:


		Year ended December 31,
	(in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Balance at January 1	$	467		$	404		$	349
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		21			11			4
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(24	)		(5	)		(1	)
	Additions based on tax positions related to current year		85			67			69
	Lapse of statute of limitations		(2	)		—			—
	Settlements		(168	)		(12	)		(29	)
	Positions assumed in acquisitions		—			2			12
	Balance at December 31	$	379		$	467		$	404

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted EPS under Treasury Stock Method and Two-Class Method	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS for 2014 and 2013 under the treasury stock method:


	(in millions, except shares and per share		2014			2013
	data)		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to BlackRock		$	3,294		$	2,932
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding			168,225,154			170,185,870
	Dilutive effect of nonparticipating RSUs and stock options			2,887,107			3,643,032
	Total diluted weighted-average shares outstanding			171,112,261			173,828,902
	Basic earnings per share		$	19.58		$	17.23
	Diluted earnings per share		$	19.25		$	16.87

	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS for 2012 under the two-class method:


	(in millions, except shares and per share data)		2012
	Net income attributable to BlackRock		$	2,458
	Less:
	Dividends distributed to common shares			1,059
	Dividends distributed to participating RSUs			1
	Undistributed net income attributable to BlackRock			1,398
	Percentage of undistributed net income allocated to common shares(1)			99.9	%
	Undistributed net income allocated to common shares			1,396
	Plus:
	Common share dividends			1,059
	Net income attributable to common shares		$	2,455
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding			174,961,018
	Dilutive effect of nonparticipating RSUs and stock options			3,056,661
	Total diluted weighted-average shares outstanding			178,017,679
	Basic earnings per share		$	14.03
	Diluted earnings per share		$	13.79

	-1	Allocation to common stockholders was based on the total of common shares and participating securities (which represent unvested RSUs that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends). For 2012, average outstanding participating securities were 0.2 million.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Investment Advisory, Administration Fees, Securities Lending Revenue and Performance Fees, BlackRock Solutions and Advisory Revenue, Distribution Fees and Other Revenue	The following table illustrates investment advisory, administration fees, securities lending revenue and performance fees, BlackRock Solutions and advisory revenue, distribution fees and other revenue for 2014, 2013 and 2012.


	(in millions)	2014		2013		2012
	Equity	$	5,337	$	4,816	$	4,334
	Fixed income		2,171		1,996		1,900
	Multi-asset		1,236		1,063		972
	Alternatives		1,103		1,104		968
	Cash management		292		321		361
	Total investment advisory, administration fees, securities lending revenue and performance fees		10,139		9,300		8,535
	BlackRock Solutions and advisory		635		577		518
	Distribution fees		70		73		71
	Other revenue		237		230		213
	Total revenue	$	11,081	$	10,180	$	9,337
Total Revenue by Geographic Region	The following table illustrates total revenue for 2014, 2013 and 2012 by geographic region. These amounts are aggregated on a legal entity basis and do not necessarily reflect where the customer resides.


	(in millions)
	Revenue	2014		2013		2012
	Americas	$	7,286	$	6,829	$	6,429
	Europe		3,246		2,832		2,460
	Asia-Pacific		549		519		448
	Total revenue	$	11,081	$	10,180	$	9,337
Schedule of Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region	The following table illustrates long-lived assets that consist of goodwill and property and equipment at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 by geographic region. These amounts are aggregated on a legal entity basis and do not necessarily reflect where the asset is physically located.


	(in millions)
	Long-lived Assets	2014		2013		2012
	Americas	$	13,151	$	13,204	$	13,238
	Europe		194		214		166
	Asia-Pacific		83		87		63
	Total long-lived assets	$	13,428	$	13,505	$	13,467

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Selected Quarterly Financial Data
	(in millions, except shares and per share data)
	2014		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter(1),(4)		3rd Quarter(2),(5)		4th Quarter(3)
	Revenue		$	2,670	$	2,778	$	2,849	$	2,784
	Operating income		$	1,051	$	1,122	$	1,157	$	1,144
	Net income		$	744	$	841	$	873	$	806
	Net income attributable to BlackRock		$	756	$	808	$	917	$	813
	Earnings per share attributable to BlackRock, Inc. common stockholders:
	Basic		$	4.47	$	4.79	$	5.46	$	4.86
	Diluted		$	4.4	$	4.72	$	5.37	$	4.77
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
	Basic			169,081,421		168,712,221		167,933,040		167,197,844
	Diluted			171,933,803		171,150,153		170,778,766		170,367,445
	Dividend declared per share		$	1.93	$	1.93	$	1.93	$	1.93
	Common stock price per share:
	High		$	323.89	$	319.85	$	336.47	$	364.4
	Low		$	286.39	$	293.71	$	301.1	$	303.91
	Close		$	314.48	$	319.6	$	328.32	$	357.56


	2013
	Revenue		$	2,449	$	2,482	$	2,472	$	2,777
	Operating income		$	909	$	849	$	966	$	1,133
	Net income		$	666	$	706	$	729	$	850
	Net income attributable to BlackRock		$	632	$	729	$	730	$	841
	Earnings per share attributable to BlackRock, Inc. common stockholders:
	Basic		$	3.69	$	4.27	$	4.3	$	4.98
	Diluted		$	3.62	$	4.19	$	4.21	$	4.86
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
	Basic			171,301,800		170,648,731		169,811,633		169,010,606
	Diluted			174,561,132		173,873,583		173,371,508		172,999,529
	Dividend declared per share		$	1.68	$	1.68	$	1.68	$	1.68
	Common stock price per share:
	High		$	258.7	$	291.69	$	286.62	$	316.47
	Low		$	212.77	$	245.3	$	255.26	$	262.75
	Close		$	256.88	$	256.85	$	270.62	$	316.47

	-1	The second quarter of 2014 included a $23 million net noncash tax expense, primarily associated with the revaluation of certain deferred income tax liabilities arising from the state and local tax effect of changes in the Company’s organizational structure. In addition, the second quarter of 2014 benefited from an improvement in the geographic mix of earnings and included a $34 million net tax benefit related to several favorable nonrecurring items.

	-2	The third quarter of 2014 included a $32 million noncash tax benefit, primarily associated with the revaluation of certain deferred income tax liabilities related to intangible assets and goodwill as a result of domestic state and local tax changes.

		In addition, the third quarter of 2014 included a $94 million tax benefit, primarily due to the resolution of certain outstanding tax matters related to the acquisition of BGI. In connection with the acquisition, BlackRock recorded a $50 million indemnification asset for unrecognized tax benefits. Due to the resolution of such tax matters, BlackRock recorded $50 million of general and administration expense to reflect the reduction of the indemnification asset and an offsetting $50 million tax benefit.

	-3	The fourth quarter of 2014 benefited from $39 million of nonrecurring tax items.

	-4	In the second quarter of 2013 in connection with the PennyMac IPO the Company recorded a noncash, nonoperating pre-tax gain of $39 million related to the carrying value of its equity method investment. In connection with the Charitable Contribution the Company recorded an expense of $124 million and a noncash, nonoperating pre-tax gain of $80 million related to the contributed investment. For further information, see Note 11, Other Assets.

		In addition, the second quarter of 2013 included a tax benefit of approximately $57 million recognized in connection with the Charitable Contribution and a tax benefit of approximately $29 million, primarily due to the realization of tax loss carryforwards.

	-5	The third quarter of 2013 included a $64 million net noncash tax benefit primarily related to the revaluation of certain deferred income tax liabilities, including the effect of legislation enacted in the United Kingdom and domestic state and local income tax changes.

Introduction_and_Basis_of_Pres2

Introduction and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (PNC [Member])	Dec. 31, 2014
PNC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of common stock of parent owned	21.00%
Percentage of capital stock of parent owned	22.00%

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Segment	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents maturity period	Three months or less
Percentage to determine if the investment product is variable interest entity or voting rights entity	50.00%
Percentage of equity method treatment	50.00%
Fair value of loaned securities	$30,600,000,000	$19,700,000,000
Fair value of collateral held for loan securities	33,654,000,000	21,788,000,000
Retrocession arrangements amount	891,000,000	785,000,000	793,000,000
Deferred carried interest in other liabilities	$105,000,000	$108,000,000
Carrying value of deferred mutual fund commissions amortization, minimum	1 year
Carrying value of deferred mutual fund commissions amortization, maximum	6 years
Number of business segments	1
Minimum [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Collateral cash and securities received in exchange of value of securities lent in order to reduce counterparty risk	102.00%
Maximum [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Collateral cash and securities received in exchange of value of securities lent in order to reduce counterparty risk	112.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Software [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years

Investments_Summary_of_Carryin

Investments - Summary of Carrying Value of Total Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments	$201	$183
Held-to-maturity investments	79	83
Total trading investments	536	486
Consolidated sponsored investment funds	270	441
Equity method investments	633	697
Cost method investments	96	119
Carried interest	85	103
Total other investments	1,105	1,399
Total investments	1,921	2,151
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Total trading investments	443	385
Total other investments	270	441
Total investments	713	826
Other Equity and Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Total trading investments	29	43
Deferred Compensation Plan Fund [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Total trading investments	64	58
Equity method investments	$21	$39

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment [Line Items]
Total investments	1,921	$2,151
Total trading investments	536	486
Other investments	1,105	1,399
Foreign government debt	79	83
Foreign government debt, one year or less	66
Foreign government debt, after ten years	13
Maximum [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Maturity period of investments	1 year
Minimum [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Maturity period of investments	10 years
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Total investments	713	826
Total trading investments	443	385
Other investments	270	441
Trading securities, equity	220	172
Trading securities, debt	223	213
Deferred Compensation Plan Fund [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Total trading investments	64	58
Equity and Debt Securities Held in Separate Investment Accounts [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Total trading investments	29	$43

Investments_Summary_of_Cost_an

Investments - Summary of Cost and Carrying Value of Investments Classified as Available-for-Sale Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, Cost		$181
Available-for-sale investments, Gross Unrealized Gains		6
Available-for-sale investments, Gross Unrealized Losses		-4
Available-for-sale investments, Carrying Value	201	183
Equity Securities of Sponsored Investment Funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, Cost	205	180
Available-for-sale investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	5	4
Available-for-sale investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-9	-4
Available-for-sale investments, Carrying Value	201	180
Other Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, Cost		1
Available-for-sale investments, Gross Unrealized Gains		2
Available-for-sale investments, Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Available-for-sale investments, Carrying Value		$3

Investments_Summary_of_Sale_Ac

Investments - Summary of Sale Activity in Available-for-Sale-Securities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amortized Cost and Fair Value Debt Securities [Abstract]
Sales proceeds	$155	$139	$134
Gross realized gains	14	20	8
Gross realized losses	-3	-1	-1
Net realized gain (loss)	$11	$19	$7

Investments_Summary_of_Cost_an1

Investments - Summary of Cost and Carrying Value of Trading Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	$487	$472
Carrying Value	536	486
Deferred Compensation Plan Fund [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	48	49
Carrying Value	64	58
Equity Securities/Multi-Asset Mutual Funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	210	174
Carrying Value	239	184
Corporate Debt [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	109	128
Carrying Value	110	128
Government Debt [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	100	121
Carrying Value	103	116
Asset/Mortgage Backed Debt [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	20	0
Carrying Value	$20	$0

Investments_Summary_of_Cost_an2

Investments - Summary of Cost and Carrying Value of Other Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	$903	$1,177
Carrying Value	1,105	1,399
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	268	420
Carrying Value	270	441
Equity Method [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	518	613
Carrying Value	633	697
Deferred Compensation Plan Fund [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	21	37
Carrying Value	21	39
Federal Reserve Bank Stock [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	92	90
Carrying Value	92	90
Other [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	4	17
Carrying Value	4	29
Total Cost Method Investments [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	96	107
Carrying Value	96	119
Carried Interest [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost	0	0
Carrying Value	$85	$103

Consolidated_Sponsored_Investm2

Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds - Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds Included in Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,723	$4,390	$4,606	$3,506
Trading investments	536	486
Other investments	1,105	1,399
Other assets	701	692
Other liabilities	-886	-1,004
Noncontrolling interests	-104	-135
Consolidated Entities [Member]
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	120	114
Trading investments	443	385
Other investments	270	441
Other assets	20	20
Other liabilities	-18	-39
Noncontrolling interests	-139	-189
BlackRock's net interests in consolidated investment funds	$696	$732

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Assets_

Fair Value Disclosures - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale	$201	$183
Total trading	536	486
Separate account assets	161,287	155,113
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	33,654	21,788
Borrowings of consolidated VIEs	4,938	4,939
Separate account collateral liabilities under securities lending agreements	33,654	21,788
Other Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale		3
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale		183
Total trading	536	486
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds		441
Total equity method	633	697
Deferred compensation plan equity method investments	21	39
Cost method investments	96	119
Carried interest	85	103
Total investments	1,921	2,151
Separate account assets	161,287	155,113
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	33,654	21,788
Total	200,214	181,416
Other assets		39
Separate account collateral liabilities under securities lending agreements	33,654	21,788
Other liabilities	44	64
Total liabilities measured at fair value	37,087	24,221
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	3,352	2,325
Borrowings of consolidated VIEs	3,389	2,369
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Deferred Compensation Plan Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	64	58
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity/Multi-asset Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	239	184
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Debt Securities/ Fixed Income Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	233	244
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Hedge Funds / Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds		159
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Private/ Public Equity [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds	270	282
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Private/ Public Equity [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	13	24
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Hedge Funds/Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	282	339
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	107	101
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Real Estate Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	117	125
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fixed Income Mutual Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	29	113
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	98
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Bank Loans and Other Assets [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	3,292	2,195
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	47	106
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity/Multi-asset, Alternative Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method		19
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale		0
Total trading	0	0
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds		41
Total equity method	13	70
Deferred compensation plan equity method investments	0	0
Cost method investments	96	119
Carried interest	85	103
Total investments	273	416
Separate account assets	855	890
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	0	0
Total	1,160	1,325
Other assets		0
Separate account collateral liabilities under securities lending agreements	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	32	19
Borrowings of consolidated VIEs	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Deferred Compensation Plan Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Equity/Multi-asset Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Debt Securities/ Fixed Income Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Hedge Funds / Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Private/ Public Equity [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds	0	41
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Private/ Public Equity [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Equity Method, Hedge Funds/Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	5	63
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Equity Method, Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Equity Method, Real Estate Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	8	7
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Fixed Income Mutual Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Bank Loans and Other Assets [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	32	19
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member] \| Equity/Multi-asset, Alternative Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale	201	180
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	30,387	20,856
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale	0	0
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity debt securities	79	83
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	3,267	932
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Debt Securities [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity debt securities	79	83
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale		3
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Securities [Member] \| Other Assets Not Held at Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale		0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale		180
Total trading	314	273
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds		5
Total equity method	127	132
Deferred compensation plan equity method investments	0	0
Cost method investments	0	0
Carried interest	0	0
Total investments	650	590
Separate account assets	113,566	113,382
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	30,387	20,856
Total	144,603	134,828
Other assets		0
Separate account collateral liabilities under securities lending agreements	30,387	20,856
Other liabilities	0	18
Total liabilities measured at fair value	30,387	20,874
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	0	0
Borrowings of consolidated VIEs	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Deferred Compensation Plan Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	64	58
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity/Multi-asset Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	239	184
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Debt Securities/ Fixed Income Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	11	31
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Hedge Funds / Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds		0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Private/ Public Equity [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds	11	5
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Private/ Public Equity [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Hedge Funds/Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Real Estate Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fixed Income Mutual Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	29	113
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	98
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Bank Loans and Other Assets [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity/Multi-asset, Alternative Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method		19
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale	198	180
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	30,387	20,856
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity debt securities	0	0
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale		3
Total trading	222	213
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds		148
Total equity method	234	197
Deferred compensation plan equity method investments	0	10
Cost method investments	0	0
Carried interest	0	0
Total investments	470	571
Separate account assets	46,866	40,841
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	3,267	932
Total	53,593	44,511
Other assets		39
Separate account collateral liabilities under securities lending agreements	3,267	932
Other liabilities	5	4
Total liabilities measured at fair value	3,272	936
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	2,990	2,128
Borrowings of consolidated VIEs	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Deferred Compensation Plan Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity/Multi-asset Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Debt Securities/ Fixed Income Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	222	213
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Hedge Funds / Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds		135
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Private/ Public Equity [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds	11	13
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Private/ Public Equity [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	3	10
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Hedge Funds/Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	213	177
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Real Estate Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	21	20
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fixed Income Mutual Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Bank Loans and Other Assets [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	2,958	2,047
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	29	71
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity/Multi-asset, Alternative Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale	3	0
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity debt securities	0	0
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	3,267	932
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale		3
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments	528	574
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale		0
Total trading	0	0
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds		247
Total equity method	259	298
Deferred compensation plan equity method investments	21	29
Cost method investments	0	0
Carried interest	0	0
Total investments	528	574
Separate account assets	0	0
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	0	0
Total	858	752
Other assets		0
Separate account collateral liabilities under securities lending agreements	0	0
Other liabilities	39	42
Total liabilities measured at fair value	3,428	2,411
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	330	178
Borrowings of consolidated VIEs	3,389	2,369
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Deferred Compensation Plan Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity/Multi-asset Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Debt Securities/ Fixed Income Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total trading	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Hedge Funds / Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds		24
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Private/ Public Equity [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total consolidated sponsored investment funds	248	223
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Private/ Public Equity [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	10	14
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Hedge Funds/Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	64	99
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	107	101
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Method, Real Estate Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	88	98
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fixed Income Mutual Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Bank Loans and Other Assets [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	302	129
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets of consolidated VIEs	18	35
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity/Multi-asset, Alternative Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity method		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale	0	0
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity debt securities	0	0
Total separate account collateral held under securities lending agreements	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Other Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total available-for-sale		$0

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Assets_1

Fair Value Disclosures - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member], Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Third-parties [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Private equity investments	$168	$195
Direct Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Private equity investments	80	28
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member] \| Third-parties [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets of consolidated VIEs, Private / public equity	$10	$14

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Additio

Fair Value Disclosures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Private equity investments	$80	$28
Operating performance projections covering period	5 years
Distributions of earnings from equity method investees	57	80	42
Proceeds from borrowings	997	0	1,495
Repayment of borrowings	1,000	750	500
Settlements related to deconsolidation		134
Reclassification of investment		28
Acquired Level 3 deferred compensation plan equity method investments		29
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	528	574
Distributions of earnings from equity method investees	92	105
Assets of Consolidated VIEs, Bank Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3	280	159
Transfers into Level 3	302	117
Assets of Consolidated VIEs, Bank Loans [Member] \| Bank Loans and Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3	280	159
Transfers into Level 3	302	117
CLO Borrowings [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Principal amounts outstanding of the borrowings, maturity year, minimum	2016
Principal amounts outstanding of the borrowings, maturity year, maximum	2027
Loss on fair value borrowings	65	117	166
CLO Bank Loans and Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on fair value assets	69	153	154
Consolidated CLO [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Proceeds from borrowings	1,582	363
Repayment of borrowings	$485	$410

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Changes

Fair Value Disclosures - Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds, Hedge Funds / Funds of Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	$24	$73
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	0	8
Purchases	0	12
Sales and maturities	-23	-19
Issuances and other settlements	-1	-34
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	-16
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	0	24
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	0	4
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds, Private Equity [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	223	266
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	12	37
Purchases	45	16
Sales and maturities	-72	-82
Issuances and other settlements	-1	0
Transfers into Level 3	41	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	-14
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	248	223
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	7	25
Equity Method, Hedge Funds/Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	99	161
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	5	16
Purchases	19	7
Sales and maturities	-19	-11
Issuances and other settlements	-40	-74
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	64	99
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	5	9
Equity Method, Private Equity Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	101	90
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	15	21
Purchases	17	14
Sales and maturities	0	-10
Issuances and other settlements	-26	-14
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	107	101
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	15	21
Equity Method, Real Estate Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	98	88
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	13	20
Purchases	8	7
Sales and maturities	-5	0
Issuances and other settlements	-26	-17
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	88	98
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	12	20
Equity Method, Deferred Compensation Plan Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	29	0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales and maturities	0	0
Issuances and other settlements	-8	29
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	21	29
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	0	0
Investments of Consolidated Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	574	679
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	45	102
Purchases	89	56
Sales and maturities	-119	-122
Issuances and other settlements	-102	-111
Transfers into Level 3	41	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	-30
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	528	574
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	39	79
Assets of Consolidated VIEs, Bank Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	129	106
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	-9	0
Purchases	210	109
Sales and maturities	-96	-60
Issuances and other settlements	46	16
Transfers into Level 3	302	117
Transfers out of Level 3	-280	-159
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	302	129
Assets of Consolidated VIEs, Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	35	46
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	0	1
Purchases	0	4
Sales and maturities	-17	-16
Issuances and other settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	18	35
Consolidated VIEs, Private Equity Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	14	22
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	1	2
Purchases	0	0
Sales and maturities	-5	-7
Issuances and other settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	-3
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	10	14
Total Level 3 Assets of Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	178	174
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	-8	3
Purchases	210	247
Sales and maturities	-118	-83
Issuances and other settlements	46	-118
Transfers into Level 3	302	117
Transfers out of Level 3	-280	-162
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	330	178
Total Level 3 Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance	752	855
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	37	105
Purchases	299	303
Sales and maturities	-237	-207
Issuances and other settlements	-56	-229
Transfers into Level 3	343	117
Transfers out of Level 3	-280	-192
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance	858	752
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	39	79
Equity Securities (CDOs) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance		1
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI		0
Purchases		0
Sales and maturities		0
Issuances and other settlements		-1
Transfers into Level 3		0
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance		0
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings		0
Separate Account Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance		2
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI		0
Purchases		0
Sales and maturities		-2
Issuances and other settlements		0
Transfers into Level 3		0
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance		0
Hedge Funds / Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value, beginning balance		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI		0
Purchases		134
Sales and maturities		0
Issuances and other settlements		-134
Transfers into Level 3		0
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Assets measured at fair value, ending balance		0
Borrowings of Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value, beginning balance	2,369	2,402
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	77	-14
Purchases	0	0
Sales and maturities	0	0
Issuances and other settlements	1,097	-47
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Liabilities measured at fair value, ending balance	3,389	2,369
Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value, beginning balance	42	0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	-1	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales and maturities	0	0
Issuances and other settlements	-4	42
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Liabilities measured at fair value, ending balance	39	42
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings		0
Total Level 3 Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value, beginning balance	2,411	2,402
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings and OCI	76	-14
Purchases	0	0
Sales and maturities	0	0
Issuances and other settlements	1,093	-5
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Liabilities measured at fair value, ending balance	$3,428	$2,411

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,723	$4,390	$4,606	$3,506
Long-term borrowings	4,938	4,939
Estimated Fair Value [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	5,723	4,390
Accounts receivable	2,120	2,247
Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated VIEs	278	161
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,035	1,084
Estimated Fair Value [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings	5,309	5,284
Carrying Amount [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	5,723	4,390
Accounts receivable	2,120	2,247
Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated VIEs	278	161
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,035	1,084
Carrying Amount [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings	$4,938	$4,939

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va1

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,723	$4,390	$4,606	$3,506
Money market valuation floor	$1
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$100	$64

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Investm

Fair Value Disclosures - Investments in Certain Entities Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	$692	$898
Total Unfunded Commitments	129	189
Equity Method, Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	107	101
Total Unfunded Commitments	61	62
Equity Method, Real Estate Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	109	118
Total Unfunded Commitments	1	12
Redemption Frequency (Quarterly)	19.00%	17.00%
Redemption Frequency (Not Redeemable)	81.00%	83.00%
Redemption Notice Period, Not Redeemable	60 days	60 days
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds, Other Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value		155
Total Unfunded Commitments		0
Redemption Frequency (Monthly)		13.00%
Redemption Frequency (Quarterly)		78.00%
Redemption Frequency (Not Redeemable)		9.00%
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds, Other Funds of Hedge Funds [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption Notice Period, days		30 days
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds, Other Funds of Hedge Funds [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption Notice Period, days		90 days
Equity Method, Hedge Funds/Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	277	276
Total Unfunded Commitments	39	84
Redemption Frequency (Monthly)	29.00%	55.00%
Redemption Frequency (Quarterly)	48.00%	11.00%
Redemption Frequency (Not Redeemable)	23.00%	34.00%
Equity Method, Hedge Funds/Funds of Hedge Funds [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption Notice Period, days	1 day	15 days
Equity Method, Hedge Funds/Funds of Hedge Funds [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption Notice Period, days	90 days	90 days
Equity Method, Deferred Compensation Plan Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	21	39
Total Unfunded Commitments	5	7
Redemption Frequency (Monthly)		8.00%
Redemption Frequency (Quarterly)		18.00%
Redemption Frequency (Not Redeemable)		74.00%
Equity Method, Deferred Compensation Plan Investments [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption Notice Period, days		60 days
Equity Method, Deferred Compensation Plan Investments [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption Notice Period, days		90 days
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds, Private Equity [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	168	195
Total Unfunded Commitments	22	23
Consolidated VIEs, Private Equity Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	10	14
Total Unfunded Commitments	$1	$1

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Investm1

Fair Value Disclosures - Investments in Certain Entities Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total Unfunded Commitments	$129	$189
Equity Method, Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Liquidation period, years	4 years	5 years
Total Unfunded Commitments	61	62
Equity Method, Real Estate Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Liquidation period, years	7 years	7 years
Total Unfunded Commitments	1	12
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds, Other Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total Unfunded Commitments		0
Redeemable period, maximum		24 months
Redeemable period, minimum		12 months
Redemption period		1 year
Equity Method, Hedge Funds/Funds of Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Liquidation period, years	2 years	3 years
Total Unfunded Commitments	39	84
Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds, Private Equity [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Liquidation period, years	7 years	7 years
Total Unfunded Commitments	22	23
Amount of unfunded commitments contractually obligated to fund	31	30
Consolidated VIEs, Private Equity Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Liquidation period, years	1 year	2 years
Total Unfunded Commitments	$1	$1

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Summary

Fair Value Disclosures - Summary of Information Related to those Assets and Liabilities Selected for Fair Value Accounting (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amounts outstanding	$4,950
Fair value	5,309
CLO Bank Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amounts outstanding	3,338	2,181
Fair value	3,260	2,176
Aggregate unpaid principal balance in excess of (less than) fair value	78	5
Unpaid principal balance of loans more than 90 days past due	6	14
Aggregate fair value of loans more than 90 days past due	2	9
Aggregate unpaid principal balance in excess of fair value for loans more than 90 days past due	4	5
CLO Borrowings [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amounts outstanding	3,508	2,455
Fair value	$3,389	$2,369

Variable_Interest_Entities_Bal

Variable Interest Entities - Balances Relating to Variable Interest Entities in which BlackRock is Primary Beneficiary (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,723	$4,390	$4,606	$3,506
Borrowings	-5,309
Other liabilities	-886	-1,004
Noncontrolling interests of consolidated VIEs	-104	-135
Consolidated Entity, Variable Interest Entities VIE [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	278	161
Bank loans	3,260	2,176
Bonds	47	106
Other investments and other assets	45	43
Total bank loans, bonds, other investments and other assets	3,352	2,325
Borrowings	-3,389	-2,369
Other liabilities	-245	-74
Appropriated retained earnings	19	-22
Noncontrolling interests of consolidated VIEs	-15	-21
Total BlackRock net interests in consolidated VIEs	$0	$0

Variable_Interest_Entities_Add

Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Entity, Variable Interest Entities VIE [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Nonoperating expense	$41,000,000	$0	$38,000,000
Loss attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	41,000,000	0	38,000,000
Weighted-average maturities of bank loans and bonds, years	4 years 10 months 24 days	4 years 8 months 12 days
Nonconsolidated Entity Variable Interest Entities VIE [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other sponsored investments funds collective trusts	1,400,000,000,000	1,400,000,000,000
Nonconsolidated Entity Variable Interest Entities VIE [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other sponsored investments funds	1,700,000,000,000	1,600,000,000,000
Nonconsolidated Entity Variable Interest Entities VIE [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other sponsored investments funds	$1,800,000,000,000	$1,700,000,000,000

Variable_Interest_Entities_Bal1

Variable Interest Entities - Balances Relating to Variable Interest Entities in which BlackRock is Not Primary Beneficiary (Detail) (Nonconsolidated Entity Variable Interest Entities VIE [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Collective trusts	$1,400,000	$1,400,000
Investments [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
CDOs/CLOs	0	0
Collective trusts	0	0
Other	57	37
Total	57	37
Advisory Fee Receivables [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
CDOs/CLOs	2	1
Collective trusts	191	184
Other	177	137
Total	370	322
Other Net Assets (Liabilities) [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
CDOs/CLOs	-5	-4
Collective trusts	0	0
Other	-3	-6
Total	-8	-10
Maximum Risk of Loss [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
CDOs/CLOs	19	18
Collective trusts	191	184
Other	234	174
Total	$444	$376

Variable_Interest_Entities_Unc

Variable Interest Entities - Unconsolidated Collateralized Debt or Loan Obligations (Detail) (Nonconsolidated Entity Variable Interest Entities VIE [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Nonconsolidated Entity Variable Interest Entities VIE [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Assets at fair value	$1	$1
Liabilities	2	2
Net assets	($1)	($1)

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Additi

Derivatives and Hedging - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative maximum risk of loss for credit protection	$17
Total Return Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional value	238	117
Total Return Swaps [Member] \| Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of gains (losses) recognized in income on derivative instruments	-26	-15	-23
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional value	84	71
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] \| Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of gains (losses) recognized in income on derivative instruments	-21
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional value	201	792
Foreign currency exchange contracts, Fair value		26
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] \| Other General and Administration Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of gains (losses) recognized in income on derivative instruments		($26)

Property_and_Equipment_Schedul

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$1,054	$1,136
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	587	611
Property and equipment, net	467	525
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	17	17
Estimated useful life-in years	39 years
Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	14	14
Estimated useful life-in years	15 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	478	501
Equipment and Computer Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	387	451
Estimated useful life-in years	3 years
Other Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	56	56
Estimated useful life-in years	10 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	93	93
Estimated useful life-in years	7 years
Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$9	$4
Minimum [Member] \| Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life-in years	1 year
Maximum [Member] \| Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life-in years	15 years

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense	$117	$128	$129
Capitalized Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Qualifying software costs	$45	$35	$36
Estimated useful life	3 years

Goodwill_Goodwill_Activity_Det

Goodwill - Goodwill Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$12,980	$12,910
Acquisitions	0	73
Goodwill adjustments related to Quellos and other	-19	-3
Ending balance	$12,961	$12,980

Goodwill_Goodwill_Activity_Par

Goodwill - Goodwill Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 04, 2013	Jul. 01, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Purchase price	$0	$298	$267
Goodwill from company's acquisition	0	73
Decrease in goodwill	20	20
Excess of tax goodwill over book goodwill	263	293
MGPA [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Purchase price				66
Goodwill from company's acquisition				29
Credit Suisse ETF Franchise [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Purchase price					273
Goodwill from company's acquisition					$44

Goodwill_Additional_Informatio

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Abstract]
Impairment of goodwill	$0	$0	$0
Closing price of common stock				$357.56	$328.32	$319.60	$314.48	$316.47	$270.62	$256.85	$256.88
Book value per share				$164.06

Intangible_Assets_Intangible_A

Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Total intangible assets - Gross Carrying Amount	$18,384	$18,558
Total intangible assets - Net Carrying Amount	$17,344	$17,501

Intangible_Assets_Finitelived_

Intangible Assets - Finite-lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets - Remaining Weighted-Average Estimated Useful Life	3 years 9 months 18 days	4 years 3 months 18 days
Finite-lived intangible assets - Gross Carrying Amount	$1,396	$1,567
Finite-lived intangible assets - Accumulated Amortization	1,040	1,057
Finite-lived intangible assets - Net Carrying Amount	356	510
Management Contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets - Remaining Weighted-Average Estimated Useful Life	3 years 9 months 18 days	4 years 3 months 18 days
Finite-lived intangible assets - Gross Carrying Amount	1,390	1,561
Finite-lived intangible assets - Accumulated Amortization	1,036	1,054
Finite-lived intangible assets - Net Carrying Amount	354	507
Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets - Remaining Weighted-Average Estimated Useful Life	3 years 7 months 6 days	4 years 7 months 6 days
Finite-lived intangible assets - Gross Carrying Amount	6	6
Finite-lived intangible assets - Accumulated Amortization	4	3
Finite-lived intangible assets - Net Carrying Amount	$2	$3

Intangible_Assets_Indefiniteli

Intangible Assets - Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$16,988	$16,991
Management Contracts [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	15,579	15,582
Trade Names / Trademarks [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	1,403	1,403
License [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$6	$6

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	$0	$0	$0
Credit Suisse ETF Franchise [Member]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired indefinite-lived management contracts				231,000,000
MGPA [Member]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived management contracts					$29,000,000
Weighted-average estimated useful life of finite-lived management contracts					8 years

Intangible_Assets_Estimated_Am

Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense for Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$126
2016	91
2017	74
2018	24
2019	$22

Other_Assets_Additional_Inform

Other Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Assets [Line Items]
Gain related to PennyMac initial public offering	$0	$39	$0
Charitable contribution	0	124	0
Gain related to the Charitable Contribution	0	80	0
PennyMac [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Gain related to PennyMac initial public offering	39
Charitable Contribution, by units		6.1
Charitable contribution		124
Gain related to the Charitable Contribution		80
Tax benefit related to Charitable Contribution		48
Ownership percentage	20.00%	20.00%
Shares and units	16	16
Carrying value - equity method investment	167	127
Fair value of equity method investments	$269	$273

Borrowings_Additional_Informat

Borrowings - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

31-May-11

Oct. 14, 2009

Dec. 31, 2012

31-May-12

Sep. 30, 2007

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unsecured revolving credit facility

$3,990,000,000

$3,000,000,000

Line of credit facility, covenant terms

The 2014 credit facility requires the Company not to exceed a maximum leverage ratio (ratio of net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, where net debt equals total debt less unrestricted cash) of 3 to 1

Line of credit facility, covenant compliance

Satisfied with a ratio of less than 1 to 1 at December 31, 2014

Commercial paper notes outstanding

Long-term borrowings

4,938,000,000

4,939,000,000

Long-term debt, fair value

5,284,000,000

Unamortized discount

12,000,000

Interest rate swap maturing in 2013

750,000,000

Interest on this, fixed rate

1.03%

Maximum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum amount available under facility

3,785,000,000

Unsecured Debt 2024 Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount issued

1,000,000,000

Interest rate

3.50%

Debt instrument, payment terms

Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 18 and September 18 of each year

Approximate annual interest expense

35,000,000

Unamortized discount

3,000,000

Debt issuance costs incurred

6,000,000

Senior unsecured and unsubordinated notes maturity date

18-Mar-24

Unamortized debt issuance expense

6,000,000

Unsecured Debt 2015 Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount issued

750,000,000

Interest rate

1.38%

Debt instrument, payment terms

Interest is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year

Approximate annual interest expense

10,000,000

Unamortized discount

5,000,000

Debt issuance costs incurred

7,000,000

Unsecured Debt 2022 Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount issued

750,000,000

Interest rate

3.38%

Debt instrument, payment terms

Interest is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year

Approximate annual interest expense

25,000,000

Unamortized discount

5,000,000

Debt issuance costs incurred

7,000,000

Unsecured Debt 2017 Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount issued

700,000,000

Interest rate

6.25%

Debt instrument, payment terms

Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year

Approximate annual interest expense

44,000,000

Debt issuance costs incurred

4,000,000

Unamortized debt issuance expense

1,000,000

Amount of discount at issuance

6,000,000

Amortization period for discount on debt issued

10 years

Unsecured Debt 2015 and 2022 Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unamortized debt issuance expense

4,000,000

Unsecured Notes Due in 2021 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount issued

750,000,000

Interest rate

4.25%

Debt instrument, payment terms

Interest is payable semi-annually on May 24 and November 24 of each year

Approximate annual interest expense

32,000,000

Unamortized discount

4,000,000

Unamortized debt issuance expense

3,000,000

Unsecured Debt 2013 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount issued

750,000,000

Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, payment terms

Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 10 and December 10 of each year

Approximate annual interest expense

50,000,000

Unamortized discount

5,000,000

Unamortized debt issuance expense

3,000,000

Unsecured Debt 2012 Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount issued

500,000,000

Interest rate

2.25%

Unsecured Debt 2014 Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount issued

1,000,000,000

Interest rate

3.50%

Unsecured Unsubordinated Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount issued

1,500,000,000

2,500,000,000

Unsecured Debt 2019 Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount issued

1,000,000,000

Interest rate

5.00%

2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unsecured revolving credit facility, years

5 years

Unsecured revolving credit facility

3,500,000,000

2014 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unsecured revolving credit facility

3,990,000,000

Additional amount available, subject to lender credit approval

1,000,000,000

Extended debt instrument maturity date

Mar-19

Amount outstanding under credit facility

2014 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum amount available under facility

4,990,000,000

Barclays [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum amount available under facility

$3,500,000,000

Borrowings_Carrying_Value_and_

Borrowings - Carrying Value and Fair Value of Long-Term Borrowings (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Amount	$4,950
Unamortized discount	-12
Carrying Value	4,938	4,939
Fair value	5,309
1.375% Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Amount	750
Unamortized discount	0
Carrying Value	750
Fair value	753
6.25% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Amount	700
Unamortized discount	-1
Carrying Value	699
Fair value	785
5.00% Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Amount	1,000
Unamortized discount	-2
Carrying Value	998
Fair value	1,134
4.25% Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Amount	750
Unamortized discount	-3
Carrying Value	747
Fair value	825
3.375% Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Amount	750
Unamortized discount	-3
Carrying Value	747
Fair value	783
3.50% Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Amount	1,000
Unamortized discount	-3
Carrying Value	997
Fair value	$1,029

Borrowings_Carrying_Value_and_1

Borrowings - Carrying Value and Fair Value of Long-Term Borrowings (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
1.375% Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings interest rate	1.38%
Debt instrument maturity date	2015
6.25% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings interest rate	6.25%
Debt instrument maturity date	2017
5.00% Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings interest rate	5.00%
Debt instrument maturity date	2019
4.25% Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings interest rate	4.25%
Debt instrument maturity date	2021
3.375% Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings interest rate	3.38%
Debt instrument maturity date	2022
3.50% Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings interest rate	3.50%
Debt instrument maturity date	2024

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Commitments under Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$126
2016	111
2017	112
2018	111
2019	105
Thereafter	613
Total operating lease minimum commitments	$1,178

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Rent expense and certain office equipment expense	$132,000,000	$137,000,000	$133,000,000
Various capital commitments to fund sponsored investment funds, including funds of private equity funds, real estate funds, infrastructure funds, opportunistic funds and distressed credit funds	161,000,000
Contingent commitments	35,000,000
Derivative maximum risk of loss for credit protection	17,000,000
Loan balances	145,700,000,000
Collateral for indemnified securities	$155,800,000,000
Credit Suisse [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Fee measurement period	7 years
MGPA [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Fee measurement period	5 years

StockBased_Compensation_Compon

Stock-Based Compensation - Components of Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock and RSUs	$421	$415	$429
Total stock-based compensation	453	448	451
Long-Term Incentive Plans Funded by PNC [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock and RSUs	$32	$33	$22

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares authorized for issuance under Award Plan	34,500,000
Number of shares remaining for future awards	9,134,678
Fair market value of RSUs granted to employees	$472,000,000	$390,000,000	$348,000,000
Fair market value of RSUs converted to common stock	534,000,000	528,000,000	297,000,000
Intrinsic value of outstanding RSUs	1,200,000,000
Stock price	$357.56
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Granted	1,476,276
Stock options contractual term, years	10 years
Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vesting period, years				3 years
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vesting period, years	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vesting period, years	3 years
Restricted Stock and RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Granted	166,018	117,339	111,389
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	292,000,000
Remaining weighted-average period	10 months 24 days
Market Performance-Based RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vesting period, years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Granted	315,961	556,581	616,117
Share price appreciation targets	15.00%	25.00%	35.00%
Number of tranches	3
Service period of awards	4 years
Grant date fair value	62,000,000	71,000,000	71,000,000
Unvested Market Performance-Based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	99,000,000
Remaining weighted-average period	1 year 10 months 24 days
Stock Options [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vesting period, years	2 years
Stock Options [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vesting period, years	5 years
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock purchase plan, purchase price percentage	95.00%
RSU Awards To Employees Annual Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Granted				952,329
Awards Granted That Cliff Vest 100% [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards to employees cliff vesting				303,999
RSUs to employees that cliff vest, percentage				100.00%
RSUs to employees that cliff vest, date				31-Jan-18
Restricted Stock Units RSUs Cliff Vest One [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards to employees cliff vesting				262,847
RSUs to employees that cliff vest, percentage				100.00%
RSUs to employees that cliff vest, date				31-Jan-18
Long-Term Incentive Plans Funded by PNC [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares committed to fund long-term incentive plans	4,000,000
Number of additional shares surrendered	2,700,000
Remaining shares committed by PNC for long-term incentive awards	1,300,000
Unvested Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$0

StockBased_Compensation_Restri

Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock and RSU Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock and RSUs, beginning of period	4,612,813
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Granted	1,476,276
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Converted	-2,593,251
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Forfeited	-93,929
Restricted Stock and RSUs, end of period	3,401,909
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, beginning of period	$207.94
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$319.48
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Converted	$205.87
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$241.02
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, end of period	$257.01
Market Performance-Based RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock and RSUs, beginning of period	1,132,113
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Granted	315,961	556,581	616,117
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Forfeited	-22,755
Restricted Stock and RSUs, end of period	1,425,319	1,132,113
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, beginning of period	$120.80
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$195.30
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$121.13
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, end of period	$137.31	$120.80

StockBased_Compensation_Restri1

Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock and RSU Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation awards expected to vest	3.2
Awards vested, not converted	0.2
Market Performance-Based RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation awards expected to vest	1.4

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of RSUs Granted under Award Plan (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Granted	1,476,276
Annual RSUs Granted [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Granted	1,310,258	1,543,193	1,783,729
Annual RSUs Granted [Member] \| Awards Granted as Part of Annual Incentive Compensation That Vest Ratably Over Three Years from Date of Grant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Granted	1,022,295	1,172,381	1,365,691
Annual RSUs Granted [Member] \| Awards Granted That Cliff Vest 100% [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock and RSUs, Granted	287,963	370,812	418,038

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of RSUs Granted under Award Plan (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Annual RSUs Granted [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Awards Granted as Part of Annual Incentive Compensation That Vest Ratably Over Three Years from Date of Grant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vesting period, years	3 years	3 years	3 years
Awards Granted That Cliff Vest 100% [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted that cliff vest, date	31-Jan-17	31-Jan-16	31-Jan-15
Awards granted that cliff vest, percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Fair Value of Market Performance-Based Award at Grant Date (Detail) (Market Performance-Based RSUs [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Market Performance-Based RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-Free Interest Rate	2.05%	1.05%	1.21%
Performance Period	6 years	6 years	6 years
Expected Stock Volatility	27.40%	25.85%	33.63%
Expected Dividend Yield	2.42%	2.89%	2.99%

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Outstanding, Shares under option, beginning of period	931,758
Exercised, Shares under option	-25,039
Outstanding, Shares under option, end of period	906,719
Weighted average exercise price, beginning of period	$167.76
Exercised, Weighted average exercise price	$167.76
Weighted average exercise price, end of period	$167.76

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_1

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	$4	$19	$157

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding	906,719	931,758
Range One [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$167.76
Options Outstanding	906,719
Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)	2 years 1 month 2 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$167.76
Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Exercisable Shares	$172

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu2

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Closing stock price	$357.56

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other deferred compensation plan liability	$126,000,000		$100,000,000
Defined benefit plans, payment period, years	5 years
Defined benefit plans, aggregate payment period, years	5 years
Japan and Germany Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	21,000,000		22,000,000
Japan Plan [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset target allocation	22.00%
Japan Plan [Member] \| Fixed Income Mutual Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset target allocation	76.00%
Japan Plan [Member] \| Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset target allocation	2.00%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Additional deferred compensation granted		125,000,000
Deferred compensation, vesting period		3 years
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan, annual percentage of incentive compensation deferred, minimum	1.00%
Deferred compensation plan, annual percentage of incentive compensation deferred, maximum	100.00%
Deferred compensation plan, deferral period, years	Up to 10 years
Deferred compensation plan, number of annual installments	10
Rabbi Trust [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	64,000,000		65,000,000
Deferred compensation plan liability	78,000,000		64,000,000
U.S. Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employee contribution, percentage of employee compensation, maximum	8.00%
Defined Contribution plan, employer matching contribution percentage of employee contribution	50.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer matching annual contribution, percentage of eligible compensation, minimum	3.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer matching annual contribution, percentage of eligible compensation, maximum	5.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, maximum amount	5,000
Defined contribution plan expense	67,000,000		63,000,000	59,000,000
U.K. Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employee contribution, percentage of employee compensation, maximum	15.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer matching annual contribution, percentage of eligible compensation, minimum	6.00%
Defined contribution plan expense	$33,000,000		$29,000,000	$27,000,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Fair_Va

Employee Benefit Plans - Fair Value of Defined Plan Assets by asset Category (Detail) (Japan Plan [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$18	$19
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5	6
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	13	13
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5	6
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5	6
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	13	13
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$13	$13

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	5 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	31-May-12	Jun. 30, 2009	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fees incurred for other agreements	$9
Due from related parties			89	74
Due to related parties			12	13
Maximum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership threshold for termination of amended and restated stockholder agreement, percentage		5.00%
PNC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of common stock of parent owned			21.00%
Percentage of capital stock of parent owned			22.00%
BlackRock Mutual Funds and iShares [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts receivable from related parties			$747	$745

Related_Party_Transactions_Rev

Related Party Transactions - Revenues for Services Provided to Related Parties (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	$6,994	$6,260	$5,501
Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	6,738	5,991	5,292
Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue [Member] \| PNC and Affiliates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	5	5	4
Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue [Member] \| Barclays and Affiliates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	0	0	5
Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue [Member] \| Registered Investment Companies/Equity Method Investees [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	6,733	5,986	5,283
Investment Advisory Performance Fees [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	173	185	120
BlackRock Solutions and Advisory [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	13	23	23
BlackRock Solutions and Advisory [Member] \| PNC and Affiliates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	7	7	7
BlackRock Solutions and Advisory [Member] \| Other [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	0	5	3
BlackRock Solutions and Advisory [Member] \| Equity Method Investees [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	6	11	13
Other Revenue [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	70	61	66
Other Revenue [Member] \| PNC and Affiliates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	3	3	3
Other Revenue [Member] \| Barclays and Affiliates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	0	0	11
Other Revenue [Member] \| Equity Method Investees [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related parties	$67	$58	$52

Related_Party_Transactions_Agg

Related Party Transactions - Aggregate Expenses Included in Consolidated Statements of Income for Transactions with Related Parties (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses with related parties	$62	$52	$95
Distribution and Servicing Costs [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses with related parties	2	2	4
Distribution and Servicing Costs [Member] \| PNC and Affiliates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses with related parties	2	2	3
Distribution and Servicing Costs [Member] \| Barclays and Affiliates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses with related parties	0	0	1
Direct Fund Expenses [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses with related parties	0	0	4
Direct Fund Expenses [Member] \| Barclays and Affiliates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses with related parties	0	0	4
General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses with related parties	60	50	87
General and Administrative Expenses [Member] \| Barclays and Affiliates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses with related parties	0	0	5
General and Administrative Expenses [Member] \| Other Registered Investment Companies [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses with related parties	55	50	49
General and Administrative Expenses [Member] \| Other [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses with related parties	$5	$0	$33

Related_Party_Transactions_Agg1

Related Party Transactions - Aggregate Expenses Included in Consolidated Statements of Income for Transactions with Related Parties (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Pre-Tax Charge [Member], Other [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Pre-Tax Charge [Member] \| Other [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Charges related to contribution to certain of the Company's short-term investment funds	$30

Net_Capital_Requirements_Summa

Net Capital Requirements - Summary of Capital Adequacy Requirements (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Tier 1 capital (to average assets), Actual, Amount	$775	$660
Tier 1 capital (to average assets), Actual, Ratio	72.10%	63.40%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets), For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount	43	42
Tier 1 capital (to average assets), For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets), To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Amount	54	52
Tier 1 capital (to average assets), To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Ratio	5.00%	5.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets), Actual, Amount	775	660
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets), Actual, Ratio	142.00%	112.70%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets), For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount	22	23
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets), For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets), To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Amount	33	35
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets), To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Total capital (to risk weighted assets), Actual, Amount	775	660
Total capital (to risk weighted assets), Actual, Ratio	142.00%	112.70%
Total capital (to risk weighted assets), For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount	44	47
Total capital (to risk weighted assets), For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
Total capital (to risk weighted assets), To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Amount	$56	$59
Total capital (to risk weighted assets), To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Ratio	10.00%	10.00%

Net_Capital_Requirements_Addit

Net Capital Requirements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Net capital requirement in certain regulated subsidiaries	$1.10	$1.10

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	($35)	($59)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-230	37
Amount reclassified from AOCI	-8	-13
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-238	24	68
Ending Balance	-273	-35	-59
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	7	16
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3	4
Amount reclassified from AOCI	-8	-13
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-5	-9
Ending Balance	2	7
Benefit Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	6	-4
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-2	10
Amount reclassified from AOCI	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-2	10
Ending Balance	4	6
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-48	-71
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-231	23
Amount reclassified from AOCI	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-231	23
Ending Balance	($279)	($48)

Capital_Stock_Additional_Infor

Capital Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
Capital Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Oct. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01
Common shares repurchased	3,200,000
Dividends, cash per common or preferred share	$7.72	$6.72	$6
Aggregate dividends	$1,338,000,000	$1,168,000,000	$1,060,000,000
Common shares repurchased, value	$1,000,000,000
Shares authorized to be repurchased	3,400,000
Barclays [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Repurchased shares price				$156.80
Common shares repurchased				6,377,552
Purchase additional shares in the secondary offering				35,210,021
Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Common shares repurchased				31,516
Underwriters' option to purchase additional shares				2,621,134
Barclays Bank PLC ("Barclays") [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Inclusion of shares of common stock issued upon the conversion of Series B Convertible Participating Preferred Stock				26,211,335
Repurchased shares price				$160
Series B Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock					2,594,070	593,786
Series B Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member] \| Barclays [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Repurchase of preferred shares				6,346,036
Series B Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member] \| Barclays Bank PLC ("Barclays") [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Inclusion of shares of common stock issued upon the conversion of Series B Convertible Participating Preferred Stock				23,211,335
Series B Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member] \| PNC [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Common stock				2,000,000
Series C Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Series C Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member] \| PNC [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Surrender of share of series non- voting preferred stock							205,350

Capital_Stock_Common_and_Prefe

Capital Stock - Common and Preferred Stock Authorized (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Series A Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Series B Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Series C Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	6,000,000	6,000,000
Series D Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000

Capital_Stock_Common_and_Prefe1

Capital Stock - Common and Preferred Shares Issued and Outstanding and Related Activity (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares, beginning balance	166,589,688
Shares repurchased	-3,200,000
Shares, ending balance	164,786,788
Shares Issued [Member] \| Treasury Stock Common [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares, beginning balance	-4,662,497	-2,376,881	-1,413,642
Exchange of Series B Preferred for common shares			0
Shares repurchased	-3,175,088	-3,689,845	-2,726,600
Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions and convertible debt conversions	1,372,188	1,404,229	1,763,361
Release of common shares from escrow			0
PNC LTIP capital contribution		0
Shares, ending balance	-6,465,397	-4,662,497	-2,376,881
Shares Issued [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares, beginning balance	171,252,185	171,252,185	139,880,380
Exchange of Series B Preferred for common shares			31,159,513
Shares repurchased	0	0	-31,516
Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions and convertible debt conversions	0	0	247,411
Release of common shares from escrow			-3,603
PNC LTIP capital contribution		0
Shares, ending balance	171,252,185	171,252,185	171,252,185
Shares Issued [Member] \| Escrow Common Shares [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares, beginning balance	0	0	-3,603
Exchange of Series B Preferred for common shares			0
Shares repurchased	0	0	0
Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions and convertible debt conversions	0	0	0
Release of common shares from escrow			3,603
PNC LTIP capital contribution		0
Shares, ending balance	0	0	0
Shares Issued [Member] \| Series B Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares, beginning balance	823,188	823,188	38,328,737
Exchange of Series B Preferred for common shares			-31,159,513
Shares repurchased	0	0	-6,346,036
Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions and convertible debt conversions	0	0	0
Release of common shares from escrow			0
PNC LTIP capital contribution		0
Shares, ending balance	823,188	823,188	823,188
Shares Issued [Member] \| Series C Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares, beginning balance	1,311,887	1,517,237	1,517,237
Exchange of Series B Preferred for common shares			0
Shares repurchased	0	0	0
Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions and convertible debt conversions	0	0	0
Release of common shares from escrow			0
PNC LTIP capital contribution		-205,350
Shares, ending balance	1,311,887	1,311,887	1,517,237
Shares Outstanding [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares, beginning balance	166,589,688	168,875,304	138,463,135
Exchange of Series B Preferred for common shares			31,159,513
Shares repurchased	-3,175,088	-3,689,845	-2,758,116
Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions and convertible debt conversions	1,372,188	1,404,229	2,010,772
Release of common shares from escrow			0
PNC LTIP capital contribution		0
Shares, ending balance	164,786,788	166,589,688	168,875,304
Shares Outstanding [Member] \| Series B Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares, beginning balance	823,188	823,188	38,328,737
Exchange of Series B Preferred for common shares			-31,159,513
Shares repurchased	0	0	-6,346,036
Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions and convertible debt conversions	0	0	0
Release of common shares from escrow			0
PNC LTIP capital contribution		0
Shares, ending balance	823,188	823,188	823,188
Shares Outstanding [Member] \| Series C Nonvoting Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares, beginning balance	1,311,887	1,517,237	1,517,237
Exchange of Series B Preferred for common shares			0
Shares repurchased	0	0	0
Net issuance of common shares related to employee stock transactions and convertible debt conversions	0	0	0
Release of common shares from escrow			0
PNC LTIP capital contribution		-205,350
Shares, ending balance	1,311,887	1,311,887	1,517,237

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current income tax expense: Federal	$923	$869	$856
Current income tax expense: State and local	54	39	49
Current income tax expense: Foreign	258	307	186
Total net current income tax expense	1,235	1,215	1,091
Deferred income tax expense (benefit): Federal	-73	-68	4
Deferred income tax expense (benefit): State and local	-9	13	13
Deferred income tax expense (benefit): Foreign	-22	-138	-78
Total net deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-104	-193	-61
Income tax expense	$1,131	$1,022	$1,030

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc1

Income Taxes - Components of Income before Taxes, Less Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components Of Income Before Tax Less Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Income tax expense based on components of income before taxes, net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	$4,425	$3,954	$3,488
Domestic [Member]
Components Of Income Before Tax Less Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Income tax expense based on components of income before taxes, net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	2,946	2,814	2,690
Foreign [Member]
Components Of Income Before Tax Less Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Income tax expense based on components of income before taxes, net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	$1,479	$1,140	$798

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Federal statutory tax rate			35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred tax asset			$791	$756
Gross deferred tax liabilities			4,989	5,085
Deferred tax expense (benefit) associated with the revaluation of deferred income tax liabilities as a result of tax changes	32	23	4	69
Deferred tax asset, unrealized investment losses			157	99
Realized capital losses carry back period			3 years
Realized capital losses carry forward period			5 years
Foreign tax credit carryforwards			40	28
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance			29	48
Income taxes receivable			117	89
Income taxes payable			125	168
Deferred taxes not recognized on excess of financial reporting over tax basis			3,871	3,074
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect effective tax rate if recognized			283	304	250
Interest and penalties accrued during period			-25	-1	3
Liability for interest and penalties			44	68	69
Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability for uncertain tax positions			2
Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability for uncertain tax positions			20
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforwards [Member]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, maturity year			2023
Related to the Same Tax Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset			10	4
Gross deferred tax liabilities			4,989	5,085
State [Member]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards			1,200	935
Net operating loss carryforwards, maturity year			2017
Foreign [Member]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards			137	109
Net operating loss carryforwards, maturity year			2017
Foreign net loss carry forwards, subject to expiration			$8

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense with Expected Federal Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory income tax expense, rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local taxes (net of federal benefit), rate	1.00%	1.00%	2.00%
Impact of foreign, state, and local tax rate changes on deferred taxes, rate	0.00%	-2.00%	-2.00%
Effect of foreign tax rates, rate	-10.00%	-8.00%	-5.00%
Other, rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Effective income tax rate	26.00%	26.00%	30.00%
Statutory income tax expense, amount	$1,549	$1,383	$1,221
State and local taxes (net of federal benefit), amount	51	39	49
Impact of foreign, state, and local tax rate changes on deferred taxes, amount	-4	-69	-50
Effect of foreign tax rates, amount	-434	-329	-221
Other, amount	-31	-2	31
Income tax expense	$1,131	$1,022	$1,030

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets: Compensation and benefits	$323	$345
Deferred tax assets: Unrealized investment losses	157	99
Deferred tax assets: Loss carryforwards	47	42
Deferred tax assets: Foreign tax credit carryforwards	40	28
Deferred tax assets: Other	253	290
Gross deferred tax assets	820	804
Less: deferred tax valuation allowances	-29	-48
Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowances	791	756
Deferred tax liabilities: Goodwill and acquired indefinite-lived intangibles	5,616	5,594
Deferred tax liabilities: Acquired finite-lived intangibles	65	110
Deferred tax liabilities: Other	89	133
Gross deferred tax liabilities	5,770	5,837
Net deferred tax (liabilities)	($4,979)	($5,081)

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of1

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$467	$404	$349
Additions for tax positions of prior years	21	11	4
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-24	-5	-1
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	85	67	69
Lapse of statute of limitations	-2	0	0
Settlements	-168	-12	-29
Positions assumed in acquisitions	0	2	12
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$379	$467	$404

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted EPS under Treasury Stock Method and Two-Class Method (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to BlackRock	$813	$917	$808	$756	$841	$730	$729	$632	$3,294	$2,932	$2,458
Less: Dividends distributed to common shares											1,059
Less: Dividends distributed to participating RSUs											1
Undistributed net income attributable to BlackRock											1,398
Percentage of undistributed net income allocated to common shares											99.90%
Undistributed net income allocated to common shares											1,396
Common share dividends											1,059
Net income attributable to common shares											$2,455
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	167,197,844	167,933,040	168,712,221	169,081,421	169,010,606	169,811,633	170,648,731	171,301,800	168,225,154	170,185,870	174,961,018
Dilutive effect of nonparticipating RSUs and stock options									2,887,107	3,643,032	3,056,661
Total diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	170,367,445	170,778,766	171,150,153	171,933,803	172,999,529	173,371,508	173,873,583	174,561,132	171,112,261	173,828,902	178,017,679
Basic earnings per share	$4.86	$5.46	$4.79	$4.47	$4.98	$4.30	$4.27	$3.69	$19.58	$17.23	$14.03
Diluted earnings per share	$4.77	$5.37	$4.72	$4.40	$4.86	$4.21	$4.19	$3.62	$19.25	$16.87	$13.79

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation1

Earnings Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted EPS under Treasury Stock Method and Two-Class Method (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Unvested RSUs included in participating securities that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends	0.2

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share - Additional information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock and RSUs [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from earning per share computation		0
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from earning per share computation	0	0	0

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information - Schedule of Investment Advisory, Administration Fees, Securities Lending Revenue and Performance Fees, BlackRock Solutions and Advisory Revenue, Distribution Fees and Other Revenue (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$2,784	$2,849	$2,778	$2,670	$2,777	$2,472	$2,482	$2,449	$11,081	$10,180	$9,337
BlackRock Solutions and advisory									635	577	518
Distribution fees									70	73	71
Other revenue									237	230	213
Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									10,139	9,300	8,535
Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									5,337	4,816	4,334
Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue [Member] \| Fixed Income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									2,171	1,996	1,900
Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue [Member] \| Multi-asset [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									1,236	1,063	972
Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue [Member] \| Alternatives [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									1,103	1,104	968
Investment Advisory, Administration Fees and Securities Lending Revenue [Member] \| Cash Management [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									292	321	361
BlackRock Solutions and Advisory [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
BlackRock Solutions and advisory									635	577	518
Distribution Fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Distribution fees									70	73	71
Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other revenue									$237	$230	$213

Segment_Information_Total_Reve

Segment Information - Total Revenue by Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$2,784	$2,849	$2,778	$2,670	$2,777	$2,472	$2,482	$2,449	$11,081	$10,180	$9,337
Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									7,286	6,829	6,429
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									3,246	2,832	2,460
Asia-Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									$549	$519	$448

Segment_Information_Schedule_o1

Segment Information - Schedule of Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$13,428	$13,505	$13,467
Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	13,151	13,204	13,238
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	194	214	166
Asia-Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$83	$87	$63

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data - Schedule of Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenue	$2,784	$2,849	$2,778	$2,670	$2,777	$2,472	$2,482	$2,449	$11,081	$10,180	$9,337
Operating income	1,144	1,157	1,122	1,051	1,133	966	849	909	4,474	3,857	3,524
Net income	806	873	841	744	850	729	706	666	3,264	2,951	2,440
Net income attributable to BlackRock	$813	$917	$808	$756	$841	$730	$729	$632	$3,294	$2,932	$2,458
Earnings per share attributable to BlackRock, Inc. common stockholders: Basic	$4.86	$5.46	$4.79	$4.47	$4.98	$4.30	$4.27	$3.69	$19.58	$17.23	$14.03
Earnings per share attributable to Black Rock, Inc. common stockholders: Diluted	$4.77	$5.37	$4.72	$4.40	$4.86	$4.21	$4.19	$3.62	$19.25	$16.87	$13.79
Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic	167,197,844	167,933,040	168,712,221	169,081,421	169,010,606	169,811,633	170,648,731	171,301,800	168,225,154	170,185,870	174,961,018
Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Diluted	170,367,445	170,778,766	171,150,153	171,933,803	172,999,529	173,371,508	173,873,583	174,561,132	171,112,261	173,828,902	178,017,679
Dividend declared per share	$1.93	$1.93	$1.93	$1.93	$1.68	$1.68	$1.68	$1.68	$7.72	$6.72	$6
Common stock price per share: High	$364.40	$336.47	$319.85	$323.89	$316.47	$286.62	$291.69	$258.70	$364.40	$316.47
Common stock price per share: Low	$303.91	$301.10	$293.71	$286.39	$262.75	$255.26	$245.30	$212.77	$303.91	$262.75
Common stock price per share: Close	$357.56	$328.32	$319.60	$314.48	$316.47	$270.62	$256.85	$256.88	$357.56	$316.47

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D3

Selected Quarterly Financial Data - Schedule of Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Deferred tax expense (benefit) associated with the revaluation of deferred income tax liabilities as a result of tax changes		$32	$23		$4	$69
Tax benefit related to certain nonrecurring items	39		34
Noncash, Nonoperating pre-tax gain					0	39	0
Expense related to Charitable Contribution					0	124	0
Non cash, Non operating pre-tax gain related to contributed investment					0	80	0
Net noncash tax benefit				64
PennyMac [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Noncash, Nonoperating pre-tax gain								39
Expense related to Charitable Contribution								124
Non cash, Non operating pre-tax gain related to contributed investment								80
Tax benefit related to Charitable Contribution								57
Tax benefit primarily due to the realization of tax								29
Barclays Global Investors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Tax benefit related to resolution of certain outstanding tax matters		94
Indemnification asset for unrecognized tax benefits		50
Offsetting tax benefit		50
General and Administrative Expenses [Member] \| Barclays Global Investors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Reduction of indemnification asset		$50

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 14, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend declared date	14-Jan-15
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Share repurchase program authorized shares			9,400,000
Quarterly dividend payable, per share		$2.18
Dividend payable date		24-Mar-15
Dividend payable, record date		6-Mar-15