The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW) 10-Q 6 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 24, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'SCHW	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SCHWAB CHARLES CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000316709	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	1,305,768,922

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Net Revenues	'		'		'		'
Asset management and administration fees	$649		$583		$1,892		$1,707
Interest revenue	600		531		1,767		1,527
Interest expense	-27		-25		-79		-79
Net interest revenue	573		506		1,688		1,448
Trading revenue	209		224		668		682
Other	120		57		253		172
Provision for loan losses	1		4		7		-1
Net impairment losses on securities	-1	[1]	-1	[1]	-1	[1]	-8	[1]
Total net revenues	1,551		1,373		4,507		4,000
Expenses Excluding Interest	'		'		'		'
Compensation and benefits	593		482		1,641		1,512
Professional services	117		103		335		308
Occupancy and equipment	82		77		242		231
Advertising and market development	59		57		187		198
Communications	55		55		168		165
Depreciation and amortization	49		51		145		153
Other	78		84		228		226
Total expenses excluding interest	1,033		909		2,946		2,793
Income before taxes on income	518		464		1,561		1,207
Taxes on income	197		174		590		455
Net Income	321		290		971		752
Preferred stock dividends	9		8		39		39
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$312		$282		$932		$713
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted	1,316	[2]	1,296	[2]	1,313	[2]	1,288	[2]
Earnings Per Common Share - Basic	$0.24		$0.22		$0.71		$0.55
Earnings Per Common Share - Diluted	$0.24		$0.22		$0.70		$0.55
[1]	Net impairment losses on securities include total other-than-temporary impairment losses of $1 million and $0 recognized in other comprehensive income, net of $0 and $(1) million reclassified from other comprehensive income, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Net impairment losses on securities include total other-than-temporary impairment losses of $1 million and $2 million recognized in other comprehensive income, net of $0 and $(6) million reclassified from other comprehensive income, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	Antidilutive stock options and restricted stock awards excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS totaled 12 million and 19 million shares for the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 18 million and 31 million shares for the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	$1	$0	$1	$2
Impairment losses reclassified from other comprehensive income	$0	($1)	$0	($6)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$321	$290	$971	$752
Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale:	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized (loss) gain	-25	72	260	-408
Reclassification of impairment charges included in net impairment losses on securities	1	1	1	8
Other reclassifications included in other revenue	-12	-2	-14	-5
Other	'	'	'	1
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	-36	71	247	-404
Income tax effect	13	-28	-93	152
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-23	43	154	-252
Comprehensive Income	$298	$333	$1,125	$500

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$8,588	$7,728
Cash and investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes (including resale agreements of $11,729 at September 30, 2014 and $14,016 at December 31, 2013)	19,890	23,553
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations	458	509
Receivables from brokerage clients — net	15,416	13,951
Other securities owned — at fair value	572	517
Securities available for sale	52,201	51,618
Securities held to maturity (fair value — $33,939 at September 30, 2014 and $29,490 at December 31, 2013)	34,007	30,318
Loans to banking clients — net	13,080	12,419
Equipment, office facilities, and property — net	991	790
Goodwill	1,227	1,227
Intangible assets — net	233	266
Other assets	781	746
Total assets	147,444	143,642
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Deposits from banking clients	97,345	92,972
Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations	2,099	1,467
Payables to brokerage clients	33,131	35,333
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,496	1,586
Long-term debt	1,900	1,903
Total liabilities	135,971	133,261
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock — $.01 par value per share; aggregate liquidation preference of $885	872	869
Common stock — 3 billion shares authorized; $.01 par value per share; 1,487,543,446 shares issued	15	15
Additional paid-in capital	4,050	3,951
Retained earnings	9,949	9,253
Treasury stock, at cost — 181,992,826 shares at September 30, 2014 and 190,657,263 shares at December 31, 2013	-3,576	-3,716
Accumulated other comprehensive income	163	9
Total stockholders' equity	11,473	10,381
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$147,444	$143,642

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Cash and investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes, resale agreements	$11,729	$14,016
Securities held to maturity, fair value	33,939	29,490
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference	$885	$885
Common stock, shares authorized	3,000,000,000	3,000,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares issued	1,487,543,446	1,487,543,446
Treasury stock, shares	181,992,826	190,657,263

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'		'
Net income	$971		$752
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'
Provision for loan losses	-7		1
Net impairment losses on securities	1	[1]	8	[1]
Stock-based compensation	80		83
Depreciation and amortization	145		153
Premium amortization, net, on securities available for sale and securities held to maturity	91		129
Other	-5		23
Net change in:	'		'
Cash and investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes	3,663		4,949
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations	56		-177
Receivables from brokerage clients	-1,469		332
Other securities owned	-55		154
Other assets	-49		-48
Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations	389		101
Payables to brokerage clients	-2,202		-5,798
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-121		163
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,488		825
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'		'
Purchases of securities available for sale	-10,556		-19,910
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale	5,724		4,665
Principal payments on securities available for sale	4,630		9,087
Purchases of securities held to maturity	-5,612		-13,442
Principal payments on securities held to maturity	1,948		3,332
Net increase in loans to banking clients	-672		-1,315
Purchase of equipment, office facilities, and property	-310		-176
Other investing activities	-8		2
Net cash used for investing activities	-4,856		-17,757
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'		'
Net change in deposits from banking clients	4,373		11,810
Repayment of commercial paper	'		-300
Issuance of long-term debt	'		275
Repayment of long-term debt	-5		-4
Dividends paid	-286		-283
Proceeds from stock options exercised and other	138		140
Other financing activities	8		-7
Net cash provided by financing activities	4,228		11,631
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	860		-5,301
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	7,728		12,663
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	8,588		7,362
Cash paid during the period for:	'		'
Interest	91		89
Income taxes	588		448
Non-cash investing activity:	'		'
Securities purchased during the period but settled after period end	$243		$38
[1]	Net impairment losses on securities include total other-than-temporary impairment losses of $1 million and $0 recognized in other comprehensive income, net of $0 and $(1) million reclassified from other comprehensive income, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Net impairment losses on securities include total other-than-temporary impairment losses of $1 million and $2 million recognized in other comprehensive income, net of $0 and $(6) million reclassified from other comprehensive income, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Introduction_and_Basis_of_Pres

Introduction and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Introduction and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Introduction and Basis of Presentation	'
	1.Introduction and Basis of Presentation
	The Charles Schwab Corporation (CSC) is a savings and loan holding company engaged, through its subsidiaries, in securities brokerage, banking, money management, and financial advisory services. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab) is a securities broker-dealer with over 300 domestic branch offices in 45 states, as well as a branch in each of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and London, England. In addition, Schwab serves clients in Hong Kong through one of CSC’s subsidiaries. Other subsidiaries include Charles Schwab Bank (Schwab Bank), a federal savings bank, and Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. (CSIM), the investment advisor for Schwab’s proprietary mutual funds, which are referred to as the Schwab Funds®, and for Schwab’s exchange-traded funds, which are referred to as the Schwab ETFs™.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include CSC and its majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the Company). Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S.), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the accompanying financial statements. Certain estimates relate to other-than-temporary impairment of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity, valuation of goodwill, allowance for loan losses, and legal and regulatory reserves. Actual results may differ from those estimates. These condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. These adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The Company’s results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year or any other interim period. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The Company’s significant accounting policies are included in note “2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no significant changes to these accounting policies during the first nine months of 2014.

New_Accounting_Standards

New Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
New Accounting Standards [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Standards	'
	2.New Accounting Standards
	New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance for creditors of consumer mortgage loans, which is effective January 1, 2015. The guidance clarifies when physical possession of a property underlying a consumer mortgage loan transfers to the creditor, and therefore when a loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property underlying the loan should be recognized. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, earnings per common share (EPS), or cash flows.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue recognition, which is effective January 1, 2017. The guidance clarifies that revenue from contracts with customers should be recognized in a manner that depicts both the likelihood of payment and the timing of the related transfer of goods or performance of services. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its financial position, results of operations, EPS, and cash flows.

Securities_Available_for_Sale_

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity [Abstract]	'
Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity	'
	3.Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity
	The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity are as follows:
					Gross		Gross
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	30-Sep-14		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Securities available for sale:
	Asset-backed securities		$	19,419	$	90	$	6	$	19,503
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities			18,001		215		15		18,201
	Corporate debt securities			7,644		46		6		7,684
	U.S. agency notes			3,990		-		67		3,923
	Certificates of deposit			1,533		1		-		1,534
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities			543		19		24		538
	Treasury securities			499		1		-		500
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			311		7		-		318
	Total securities available for sale		$	51,940	$	379	$	118	$	52,201
	Securities held to maturity:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	33,005	$	316	$	357	$	32,964
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,002		4		31		975
	Total securities held to maturity		$	34,007	$	320	$	388	$	33,939
					Gross		Gross
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	31-Dec-13		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Securities available for sale:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	18,554	$	140	$	49	$	18,645
	Asset-backed securities			15,201		42		37		15,206
	Corporate debt securities			8,973		49		15		9,007
	U.S. agency notes			4,239		1		104		4,136
	Certificates of deposit			3,650		4		2		3,652
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities			616		11		34		593
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			271		8		-		279
	Other securities			100		-		-		100
	Total securities available for sale		$	51,604	$	255	$	241	$	51,618
	Securities held to maturity:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	29,260	$	161	$	921	$	28,500
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			958		-		68		890
	Other securities			100		-		-		100
	Total securities held to maturity		$	30,318	$	161	$	989	$	29,490
	Schwab Bank pledges securities issued by federal agencies to secure certain trust deposits. The fair value of these pledged securities was $132 million at September 30, 2014.
	A summary of securities with unrealized losses, aggregated by category and period of continuous unrealized loss, is as follows:
			Less than				12 months
			12 months				or longer				Total
			Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	30-Sep-14		Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
	Securities available for sale:
	Asset-backed securities		$	1,928	$	4	$	841	$	2	$	2,769	$	6
	U.S agency mortgage-backed securities			2,414		6		1,629		9		4,043		15
	Corporate debt securities			1,010		1		616		5		1,626		6
	U.S. agency notes			249		1		3,674		66		3,923		67
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed
	securities			25		1		311		23		336		24
	Total		$	5,626	$	13	$	7,071	$	105	$	12,697	$	118
	Securities held to maturity:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	4,421	$	17	$	11,565	$	340	$	15,986	$	357
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
	securities			163		2		645		29		808		31
	Total		$	4,584	$	19	$	12,210	$	369	$	16,794	$	388
	Total securities with unrealized losses (1)		$	10,210	$	32	$	19,281	$	474	$	29,491	$	506
	-1	The number of investment positions with unrealized losses totaled 209 for securities available for sale and 144 for securities held to maturity.
			Less than				12 months
			12 months				or longer				Total
			Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	31-Dec-13		Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
	Securities available for sale:
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	5,044	$	47	$	93	$	2	$	5,137	$	49
Asset-backed securities			6,391		33		591		4		6,982		37
Corporate debt securities			1,802		14		499		1		2,301		15
U.S. agency notes			3,636		104		-		-		3,636		104
Certificates of deposit			-		-		299		2		299		2
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed
securities			89		2		374		32		463		34
Total		$	16,962	$	200	$	1,856	$	41	$	18,818	$	241
Securities held to maturity:
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	19,175	$	698	$	2,345	$	223	$	21,520	$	921
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
securities			630		43		260		25		890		68
Total		$	19,805	$	741	$	2,605	$	248	$	22,410	$	989
Total securities with unrealized losses (1)		$	36,767	$	941	$	4,461	$	289	$	41,228	$	1,230
-1	The number of investment positions with unrealized losses totaled 273 for securities available for sale and 193 for securities held to maturity.
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities include securities collateralized by loans that are considered to be “Prime” (defined as loans to borrowers with a Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) credit score of 620 or higher at origination), and “Alt-A” (defined as Prime loans with reduced documentation at origination). Management determined that it does not expect to recover all of the amortized cost of certain of its Alt-A and Prime residential mortgage-backed securities and therefore determined that these securities were other-than-temporarily impaired (OTTI); the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not “more likely than not” that the Company will be required to sell these securities before anticipated recovery of the unrealized losses on these securities. The Company recognized an impairment charge equal to the securities’ expected credit losses of $1 million during the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, based on the Company’s cash flow projections for these securities. The expected credit losses are measured as the difference between the present value of expected cash flows and the amortized cost of the securities. Further deterioration in the performance of the underlying loans in the Company’s non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities portfolio could result in the recognition of impairment losses.
The following table is a rollforward of the amount of credit losses recognized in earnings for OTTI securities held by the Company during the period for which a portion of the impairment was recognized in or reclassified from other comprehensive income:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
Balance at beginning of period		$	169	$	166	$	169	$	159
Credit losses recognized into current period earnings on debt securities for
which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized			1		-		1		1
Credit losses recognized into current period earnings on debt securities for
which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized			-		1		-		7
Balance at end of period		$	170	$	167	$	170	$	167
The maturities of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity at September 30, 2014 are as follows:
				After 1 year		After 5 years
		Within		through		through		After
		1 year		5 years		10 years		10 years		Total
Securities available for sale:
Asset-backed securities		$	-	$	2,666	$	5,148	$	11,689	$	19,503
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities (1)			-		1,312		4,425		12,464		18,201
Corporate debt securities			741		6,893		50		-		7,684
U.S. agency notes			-		3,923		-		-		3,923
Certificates of deposit			384		1,150		-		-		1,534
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed
securities (1)			-		2		-		536		538
Treasury securities			-		500		-		-		500
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
securities (1)			-		-		-		318		318
Total fair value		$	1,125	$	16,446	$	9,623	$	25,007	$	52,201
Total amortized cost		$	1,121	$	16,460	$	9,533	$	24,826	$	51,940
Securities held to maturity:
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities (1)		$	-	$	853	$	14,390	$	17,721	$	32,964
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
securities (1)			-		-		352		623		975
Total fair value		$	-	$	853	$	14,742	$	18,344	$	33,939
Total amortized cost		$	-	$	854	$	14,827	$	18,326	$	34,007
-1	Mortgage-backed securities have been allocated to maturity groupings based on final contractual maturities. Actual maturities will differ from final contractual maturities because borrowers on a certain portion of loans underlying these securities have the right to prepay their obligations.
Proceeds and gross realized gains from sales of securities available for sale are as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
Proceeds		$	3,679	$	1,661	$	5,724	$	4,665
Gross realized gains		$	12	$	2	$	14	$	5

Loans_to_Banking_Clients_and_R

Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses [Abstract]	'
Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses	'
	4.Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses
	The composition of loans to banking clients by loan segment is as follows:
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Residential real estate mortgages		$	8,075		$	8,006
	Home equity lines of credit			2,982			3,041
	Personal loans secured by securities			2,033			1,384
	Other			30			36
	Total loans to banking clients (1)			13,120			12,467
	Allowance for loan losses			-40			-48
	Total loans to banking clients – net		$	13,080		$	12,419
	-1	All loans are evaluated for impairment by loan segment.
	The Company has commitments to extend credit related to unused home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), personal loans secured by securities, and other lines of credit, which totaled  $6.3 billion and $5.7 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. All of the personal loans were fully collateralized by securities with fair values in excess of borrowings at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	Schwab Bank provides a co-branded loan origination program for Schwab Bank clients (the Program) with Quicken Loans, Inc. (Quicken Loans®). Pursuant to the Program, Quicken Loans originates and services first lien residential real estate mortgage loans (First Mortgages) and HELOCs for Schwab Bank clients. Under the Program, Schwab Bank purchases certain First Mortgages and HELOCs that are originated by Quicken Loans. Schwab Bank sets the underwriting guidelines and pricing for all loans it intends to purchase for its portfolio. Schwab Bank purchased First Mortgages of $371 million and $862 million during the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $989 million and $3.1 billion during the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Schwab Bank purchased HELOCs with commitments of $167 million and $248 million during the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $514 million and $687 million during the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively. The First Mortgages purchased under the Program are included in the first mortgages loan class in the tables below.
	Credit Quality
	Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows:
	Three Months Ended	30-Sep-14											30-Sep-13
		Residential											Residential
		real estate			Home equity								real estate			Home equity
		mortgages			lines of credit				Total				mortgages			lines of credit					Total
	Balance at beginning of period	$	28			$	13		$	41			$	40			$	17			$	57
	Charge-offs		-				-			-				-1				-1				-2
	Recoveries		-				-			-				1				-				1
	Provision for loan losses		-				-1			-1				-6				2				-4
	Balance at end of period	$	28			$	12		$	40			$	34			$	18			$	52
	Nine Months Ended	30-Sep-14											30-Sep-13
		Residential											Residential
		real estate			Home equity								real estate			Home equity
		mortgages			lines of credit				Total				mortgages			lines of credit						Total
	Balance at beginning of period	$	34			$	14		$	48			$	36			$	20			$	56
	Charge-offs		-1				-2			-3				-4				-4				-8
	Recoveries		1				1			2				2				1				3
	Provision for loan losses		-6				-1			-7				-				1				1
	Balance at end of period	$	28			$	12		$	40			$	34			$	18			$	52
	The delinquency and nonaccrual analysis by loan class is as follows:
														>90 days past					Total past due
					30-59 days				60-89 days					due and other					and other				Total
	30-Sep-14	Current			past due				past due					nonaccrual loans					nonaccrual loans				loans
	Residential real estate mortgages:
	First mortgages	$	7,884			$	5			$	3				$	24				$	32		$	7,916
	Purchased first mortgages		154				1				-					4					5			159
	Home equity lines of credit		2,967				3				1					11					15			2,982
	Personal loans secured by securities		2,031				2				-					-					2			2,033
	Other		30				-				-					-					-			30
	Total loans to banking clients	$	13,066			$	11			$	4				$	39				$	54		$	13,120
														>90 days past					Total past due
					30-59 days				60-89 days					due and other					and other				Total
	31-Dec-13	Current			past due				past due					nonaccrual loans					nonaccrual loans				loans
	Residential real estate mortgages:
	First mortgages	$	7,808			$	3			$	4				$	30				$	37		$	7,845
	Purchased first mortgages		154				1				-					6					7			161
	Home equity lines of credit		3,025				2				2					12					16			3,041
	Personal loans secured by securities		1,384				-				-					-					-			1,384
	Other		36				-				-					-					-			36
	Total loans to banking clients	$	12,407			$	6			$	6				$	48				$	60		$	12,467
	There were no loans accruing interest that were contractually 90 days or more past due at September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013. Nonperforming assets, which include nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned, totaled $46 million and $53 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Troubled debt restructurings were not material at September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
	In addition to monitoring delinquency, the Company monitors the credit quality of residential real estate mortgages and HELOCs by stratifying the portfolios by the year of origination, borrower FICO scores at origination (Origination FICO), updated borrower FICO scores (Updated FICO), loan-to-value (LTV) ratios at origination (Origination LTV), and estimated current LTV ratios (Estimated Current LTV), as presented in the following tables. Borrowers’ FICO scores are provided by an independent third-party credit reporting service and were last updated in September 2014. The Origination LTV and Estimated Current LTV ratios for a HELOC include any first lien mortgage outstanding on the same property at the time of the HELOC’s origination. The Estimated Current LTV for each loan is estimated by reference to a home price appreciation index.
			Residential real estate mortgages
		First				Purchased							Home equity
	30-Sep-14	mortgages				first mortgages				Total			lines of credit
	Year of origination
	Pre-2010		$	731			$	49		$	780			$	2,131
	2010			392				7			399				175
2011			588				33			621				143
2012			2,167				25			2,192				150
2013			3,109				34			3,143				248
2014			929				11			940				135
Total		$	7,916			$	159		$	8,075			$	2,982
Origination FICO
<620		$	10			$	1		$	11			$	-
620 – 679			88				11			99				18
680 – 739			1,336				31			1,367				557
>740			6,482				116			6,598				2,407
Total		$	7,916			$	159		$	8,075			$	2,982
Updated FICO
<620		$	46			$	4		$	50			$	37
620 – 679			175				7			182				104
680 – 739			1,022				26			1,048				444
>740			6,673				122			6,795				2,397
Total		$	7,916			$	159		$	8,075			$	2,982
Origination LTV
<70%		$	5,401			$	111		$	5,512			$	1,996
>70% – <90%			2,501				44			2,545				964
>90% – <100%			14				4			18				22
Total		$	7,916			$	159		$	8,075			$	2,982
						Weighted							Percent of Loans
						Average				Utilization			that are on
30-Sep-14		Balance				Updated FICO				Rate (1)			Nonaccrual Status
Residential real estate mortgages:
Estimated Current LTV
<70%		$	7,138				776			N/A				0.08	%
>70% – <90%			829				764			N/A				0.58	%
>90% – <100%			52				737			N/A				1.79	%
>100%			56				724			N/A				13.21	%
Total		$	8,075				774			N/A				0.23	%
Home equity lines of credit:
Estimated Current LTV
<70%		$	2,346				773			37	%			0.05	%
>70% – <90%			499				762			49	%			0.49	%
>90% – <100%			74				750			62	%			1.24	%
>100%			63				740			64	%			2.02	%
Total		$	2,982				770			39	%			0.19	%
-1	The Utilization Rate is calculated using the outstanding HELOC balance divided by the associated total line of credit.
N/A Not applicable.
		Residential real estate mortgages
	First				Purchased							Home equity
31-Dec-13	mortgages				first mortgages				Total			lines of credit
Year of origination
Pre-2010		$	859			$	55		$	914			$	2,304
2010			503				7			510				191
2011			733				38			771				155
2012			2,403				26			2,429				162
2013			3,347				35			3,382				229
Total		$	7,845			$	161		$	8,006			$	3,041
Origination FICO
<620		$	10			$	1		$	11			$	-
620 – 679			96				14			110				20
680 – 739			1,352				32			1,384				576
>740			6,387				114			6,501				2,445
Total		$	7,845			$	161		$	8,006			$	3,041
Updated FICO
<620		$	50			$	5		$	55			$	42
620 – 679			209				10			219				106
680 – 739			1,012				29			1,041				453
>740			6,574				117			6,691				2,440
Total		$	7,845			$	161		$	8,006			$	3,041
Origination LTV
<70%		$	5,306			$	110		$	5,416			$	2,040
>70% – <90%			2,523				45			2,568				977
>90% – <100%			16				6			22				24
Total		$	7,845			$	161		$	8,006			$	3,041
					Weighted								Percent of Loans
					Average					Utilization			that are on
31-Dec-13		Balance			Updated FICO					Rate (1)			Nonaccrual Status
Residential real estate mortgages:
Estimated Current LTV
<70%		$	6,649				775			N/A				0.05	%
>70% – <90%			1,181				763			N/A				0.34	%
>90% – <100%			86				732			N/A				4.77	%
>100%			90				730			N/A				10.50	%
Total		$	8,006				772			N/A				0.26	%
Home equity lines of credit:
Estimated Current LTV
<70%		$	2,127				773			36	%			0.13	%
>70% – <90%			664				762			48	%			0.22	%
>90% – <100%			127				752			59	%			1.22	%
>100%			123				743			63	%			1.34	%
Total		$	3,041				769			39	%			0.24	%
-1	The Utilization Rate is calculated using the outstanding HELOC balance divided by the associated total line of credit.
N/A Not applicable.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	5.Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company has clients that sell (i.e., write) listed option contracts that are cleared by the Options Clearing Corporation – a clearing house that establishes margin requirements on these transactions. The Company partially satisfies the margin requirements by arranging unsecured standby letter of credit agreements (LOCs), in favor of the Options Clearing Corporation, which are issued by multiple banks. At September 30, 2014, the aggregate face amount of these LOCs totaled $240 million. There were no funds drawn under any of these LOCs at September 30, 2014. In connection with its securities lending activities, the Company is required to provide collateral to certain brokerage clients. The Company satisfies the collateral requirements by providing cash as collateral.
	The Company also provides guarantees to securities clearing houses and exchanges under standard membership agreements, which require members to guarantee the performance of other members. Under the agreements, if another member becomes unable to satisfy its obligations to the clearing houses and exchanges, other members would be required to meet shortfalls. The Company’s liability under these arrangements is not quantifiable and may exceed the cash and securities it has posted as collateral. However, the potential requirement for the Company to make payments under these arrangements is remote. Accordingly, no liability has been recognized for these guarantees.
	Legal contingencies: The Company is subject to claims and lawsuits in the ordinary course of business, including arbitrations, class actions and other litigation, some of which include claims for substantial or unspecified damages. The Company is also the subject of inquiries, investigations, and proceedings by regulatory and other governmental agencies.
	The Company believes it has strong defenses in all significant matters currently pending and is contesting liability and any damages claimed. Nevertheless, some of these matters may result in adverse judgments or awards, including penalties, injunctions or other relief, and the Company may also determine to settle a matter because of the uncertainty and risks of litigation. Described below are certain matters in which there is a reasonable possibility that a material loss could be incurred or where the matter may otherwise be of significant interest to stockholders. With respect to all other pending matters, based on current information and consultation with counsel, it does not appear that the outcome of any such matter could be material to the financial condition, operating results or cash flows of the Company. However, predicting the outcome of a litigation or regulatory matter is inherently difficult, requiring significant judgment and evaluation of various factors, including the procedural status of the matter and any recent developments; prior experience and the experience of others in similar cases; available defenses, including potential opportunities to dispose of a case on the merits or procedural grounds before trial (e.g., motions to dismiss or for summary judgment); the progress of fact discovery; the opinions of counsel and experts regarding potential damages; potential opportunities for settlement and the status of any settlement discussions; and potential insurance coverage and indemnification. Often, as in the case of the Auction Rate Securities Regulatory Inquiries and Total Bond Market Fund Litigation matters described below, it is not possible to reasonably estimate potential liability, if any, or a range of potential liability until the matter is closer to resolution – pending, for example, further proceedings, the outcome of key motions or appeals, or discussions among the parties. Numerous issues may have to be developed, such as discovery of important factual matters and determination of threshold legal issues, which may include novel or unsettled questions of law. Reserves are established or adjusted or further disclosure and estimates of potential loss are provided as the matter progresses and more information becomes available.
	Auction Rate Securities Regulatory Inquiries: Schwab has been responding to industry wide inquiries from federal and state regulators regarding sales of auction rate securities to clients who were unable to sell their holdings when the normal auction process for those securities froze unexpectedly in February 2008. On August 17, 2009, a civil complaint was filed against Schwab in New York state court by the Attorney General of the State of New York (NYAG) alleging material misrepresentations and omissions by Schwab regarding the risks of auction rate securities, and seeking restitution, disgorgement, penalties and other relief, including repurchase of securities held in client accounts. As reflected in a statement issued August 17, 2009, Schwab has responded that the allegations are without merit, and has been contesting all charges. By order dated October 24, 2011, the court granted Schwab’s motion to dismiss the complaint with prejudice. The NYAG appealed, and in a decision issued August 29, 2013, the Appellate Division reinstated two of the NYAG’s four causes of action. A petition by the NYAG for reconsideration of part of the Appellate Division’s decision was subsequently denied. On June 10, 2014, Schwab filed a motion for summary judgment of the NYAG’s remaining two causes of action.
	Total Bond Market Fund Litigation: On August 28, 2008, a class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of investors in the Schwab Total Bond Market Fund™. The lawsuit, which alleges violations of state law and federal securities law in connection with the fund’s investment policy, names Schwab Investments (registrant and issuer of the fund’s shares) and CSIM as defendants. Allegations include that the fund improperly deviated from its stated investment objectives by investing in collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and investing more than 25% of fund assets in CMOs and mortgage-backed securities without obtaining a shareholder vote. Plaintiffs seek unspecified compensatory and rescission damages, unspecified equitable and injunctive relief, costs and attorneys’ fees. Plaintiffs’ federal securities law claim and certain of plaintiffs’ state law claims were dismissed in proceedings before the court and following a successful petition by defendants to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On August 8, 2011, the court dismissed plaintiffs’ remaining claims with prejudice. Plaintiffs have again appealed to the Ninth Circuit, where the case is currently pending.
	Other Regulatory Matters: On April 16, 2012, optionsXpress, Inc. was charged by the SEC in an administrative proceeding alleging violations of the firm’s close-out obligations under Regulation SHO (short sale delivery rules) in connection with certain customer trading activity that predated the Company’s acquisition of the firm.  Following trial, in a decision issued June 7, 2013, the judge held that the firm had violated Regulation SHO and aided and abetted fraudulent trading activity by its customer, and ordered the firm and the customer to pay disgorgement and penalties. The Company continues to dispute the allegations and is appealing the decision.  The Company has a contingent liability associated with this matter, which was not material at September 30, 2014.

Fair_Values_of_Assets_and_Liab

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities	'
	6.Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities
	For a description of the fair value hierarchy and the Company’s fair value methodologies, including the use of independent third-party pricing services, see note “2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no significant changes in these methodologies during the quarter ended September 30, 2014. The Company did not transfer any assets or liabilities between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 during the quarter ended September 30, 2014, or the year ended December 31, 2013. In addition, the Company did not adjust prices received from the primary independent third-party pricing service at September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
	Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value
	The following tables present the fair value hierarchy for assets measured at fair value. Liabilities recorded at fair value were not material, and therefore are not included in the following tables:
		Quoted Prices
		in Active Markets				Significant				Significant
		for Identical				Other Observable				Unobservable
		Assets				Inputs				Inputs				Balance at
	30-Sep-14	(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)				Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	1,667			$	-			$	-			$	1,667
	Commercial paper			-				56				-				56
	Total cash equivalents			1,667				56				-				1,723
	Investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory
	purposes:
	Certificates of deposit			-				3,776				-				3,776
	U.S. Government securities			-				-				-				-
	Total investments segregated and on deposit for
	regulatory purposes			-				3,776				-				3,776
	Other securities owned:
	Schwab Funds® money market funds			293				-				-				293
	Equity and bond mutual funds			210				-				-				210
	State and municipal debt obligations			-				44				-				44
	Equity, U.S. Government and corporate debt, and
	other securities			1				24				-				25
	Total other securities owned			504				68				-				572
	Securities available for sale:
	Asset-backed securities			-				19,503				-				19,503
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities			-				18,201				-				18,201
	Corporate debt securities			-				7,684				-				7,684
	U.S. agency notes			-				3,923				-				3,923
	Certificates of deposit			-				1,534				-				1,534
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-				538				-				538
	Treasury securities			-				500				-				500
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			-				318				-				318
	Total securities available for sale			-				52,201				-				52,201
	Total		$	2,171			$	56,101			$	-			$	58,272
		Quoted Prices
		in Active Markets				Significant				Significant
		for Identical				Other Observable				Unobservable
		Assets				Inputs				Inputs				Balance at
	31-Dec-13	(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)				Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	1,141			$	-			$	-			$	1,141
	Commercial paper			-				22				-				22
	Total cash equivalents			1,141				22				-				1,163
	Investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory
	purposes:
	Certificates of deposit			-				2,737				-				2,737
	U.S. Government securities			-				2,539				-				2,539
	Total investments segregated and on deposit for
	regulatory purposes			-				5,276				-				5,276
	Other securities owned:
	Schwab Funds® money market funds			261				-				-				261
	Equity and bond mutual funds			208				-				-				208
	State and municipal debt obligations			-				32				-				32
	Equity, U.S. Government and corporate debt, and
	other securities			1				15				-				16
	Total other securities owned			470				47				-				517
	Securities available for sale:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities			-				18,645				-				18,645
	Asset-backed securities			-				15,206				-				15,206
	Corporate debt securities			-				9,007				-				9,007
U.S. agency notes			-				4,136				-				4,136
Certificates of deposit			-				3,652				-				3,652
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-				593				-				593
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			-				279				-				279
Other securities			-				100				-				100
Total securities available for sale			-				51,618				-				51,618
Total		$	1,611			$	56,963			$	-			$	58,574
Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value
Descriptions of the valuation methodologies and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value are also described in note “2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no significant changes in these methodologies or assumptions during the quarter ended September 30, 2014.  The following tables present the fair value hierarchy for financial instruments not recorded at fair value:
				Quoted Prices
				in Active Markets				Significant				Significant
				for Identical				Other Observable				Unobservable
		Carrying		Assets				Inputs				Inputs				Balance at
30-Sep-14		Amount		(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)				Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	6,865		$	-			$	6,865			$	-		$	6,865
Cash and investments segregated and
on deposit for regulatory purposes			16,111			-				16,111				-			16,111
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and
clearing organizations			458			-				458				-			458
Receivables from brokerage clients – net			15,413			-				15,413				-			15,413
Securities held to maturity:
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities			33,005			-				32,964				-			32,964
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
securities			1,002			-				975				-			975
Total securities held to maturity			34,007			-				33,939				-			33,939
Loans to banking clients: (1)
Residential real estate mortgages			8,075			-				8,056				-			8,056
Home equity lines of credit			2,982			-				3,046				-			3,046
Personal loans secured by securities			2,033			-				2,033				-			2,033
Other			30			-				29				-			29
Total loans to banking clients			13,120			-				13,164				-			13,164
Other assets			75			-				75				-			75
Total		$	86,049		$	-			$	86,025			$	-		$	86,025
Liabilities:
Deposits from banking clients		$	97,345		$	-			$	97,345			$	-		$	97,345
Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing
organizations			2,099			-				2,099				-			2,099
Payables to brokerage clients			33,131			-				33,131				-			33,131
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			471			-				471				-			471
Long-term debt			1,900			-				2,012				-			2,012
Total		$	134,946		$	-			$	135,058			$	-		$	135,058
-1	The carrying value of loans to banking clients excludes the allowance for loan losses of $40 million at September 30, 2014.
				Quoted Prices
				in Active Markets				Significant				Significant
				for Identical				Other Observable				Unobservable
		Carrying		Assets				Inputs				Inputs				Balance at
31-Dec-13		Amount		(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)				Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	6,565		$	-			$	6,565			$	-		$	6,565
Cash and investments segregated and
on deposit for regulatory purposes			18,273			-				18,273				-			18,273
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and
clearing organizations			509			-				509				-			509
Receivables from brokerage clients – net			13,949			-				13,949				-			13,949
Securities held to maturity:
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities			29,260			-				28,500				-			28,500
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
securities			958			-				890				-			890
Other securities			100			-				100				-			100
Total securities held to maturity			30,318			-				29,490				-			29,490
Loans to banking clients: (1)
Residential real estate mortgages			8,006			-				7,930				-			7,930
Home equity lines of credit			3,041			-				3,043				-			3,043
Personal loans secured by securities			1,384			-				1,384				-			1,384
Other			36			-				35				-			35
Total loans to banking clients			12,467			-				12,392				-			12,392
Other assets			64			-				64				-			64
Total		$	82,145		$	-			$	81,242			$	-		$	81,242
Liabilities:
Deposits from banking clients		$	92,972		$	-			$	92,972			$	-		$	92,972
Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing
organizations			1,467			-				1,467				-			1,467
Payables to brokerage clients			35,333			-				35,333				-			35,333
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			680			-				680				-			680
Long-term debt			1,903			-				1,989				-			1,989
Total		$	132,355		$	-			$	132,441			$	-		$	132,441
-1	The carrying value of loans to banking clients excludes the allowance for loan losses of $48 million at December 31, 2013.
Securities lending: Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations include securities loaned. The Company loans client securities temporarily to other brokers in connection with its securities lending activities and receives cash as collateral for the securities loaned. The fair value of client securities pledged in securities lending transactions to other broker-dealers was  $1.4 billion at September 30, 2014 and  $1.1 billion at December 31, 2013.  The Company has also pledged a portion of its securities owned in connection with securities lending transactions to other broker-dealers. Additionally, the Company borrows securities from other broker-dealers to fulfill short sales by clients, which are included in receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations. The fair value of these borrowed securities was  $123 million at September 30, 2014 and  $276 million at December 31, 2013. All of the Company’s securities lending transactions are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements with other broker-dealers. However, the Company does not net securities lending transactions and therefore, the Company’s securities loaned and securities borrowed are presented gross in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Resale agreements: Cash and investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes include securities purchased under agreements to resell (resale agreements), which are collateralized by U.S. Government and agency securities. Schwab enters into collateralized resale agreements principally with other broker-dealers, which could result in losses in the event the counterparty fails to purchase the securities held as collateral for the cash advanced and the fair value of the securities declines. Schwab utilizes the collateral provided under these resale agreements to meet obligations under broker-dealer client protection rules, which place limitations on its ability to access such segregated securities. The Company’s resale agreements are not subject to master netting arrangements.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	7.Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Accumulated other comprehensive income represents cumulative gains and losses that are not reflected in earnings. The components of other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:
	Three Months Ended September 30,				2014								2013
			Before		Tax				Net of		Before		Tax			Net of
			tax		effect				tax		tax		effect			tax
	Change in net unrealized gain on
	securities available for sale:
	Net unrealized (loss) gain		$	-25	$	9		$	-16		$	72	$	-28	$	44
	Reclassification of impairment charges
	included in net impairment losses
	on securities			1		-1			-			1		-		1
	Other reclassifications included in
	other revenue			-12		5			-7			-2		-		-2
	Change in net unrealized gain on
	securities available for sale			-36		13			-23			71		-28		43
	Other comprehensive (loss) income		$	-36	$	13		$	-23		$	71	$	-28	$	43
	Nine Months Ended September 30,				2014								2013
			Before		Tax				Net of		Before		Tax			Net of
			tax		effect				tax		tax		effect			tax
	Change in net unrealized gain on
	securities available for sale:
	Net unrealized gain (loss)		$	260	$	-97		$	163		$	-408	$	153	$	-255
	Reclassification of impairment charges
	included in net impairment losses
	on securities			1		-1			-			8		-2		6
	Other reclassifications included in
	other revenue			-14		5			-9			-5		1		-4
	Change in net unrealized gain on
	securities available for sale			247		-93			154			-405		152		-253
	Other			-		-			-			1		-		1
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		$	247	$	-93		$	154		$	-404	$	152	$	-252
	Accumulated other comprehensive income balances are as follows:
		Net unrealized								Total
		gain on securities								accumulated other
		available for sale				Other				comprehensive income
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	299			$	-1			$	298
	Other net changes			-253				1				-252
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	46			$	-			$	46
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	9			$	-			$	9
	Other net changes			154				-				154
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	163			$	-			$	163

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	8.Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted EPS is similar to the computation of basic EPS except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Dilutive potential common shares include, if dilutive, the effect of outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock awards and units. EPS under the basic and diluted computations is as follows:
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income		$	321	$	290	$	971	$	752
	Preferred stock dividends			-9		-8		-39		-39
	Net income available to common stockholders		$	312	$	282	$	932	$	713
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic			1,304		1,287		1,302		1,282
	Common stock equivalent shares related to stock incentive plans			12		9		11		6
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — diluted (1)			1,316		1,296		1,313		1,288
	Basic EPS		$	.24	$	.22	$	.71	$	.55
	Diluted EPS		$	.24	$	.22	$	.70	$	.55
	-1	Antidilutive stock options and restricted stock awards excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS totaled 12 million and 19 million shares for the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 18 million and 31 million shares for the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Regulatory_Requirements

Regulatory Requirements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulatory Requirements [Abstract]	'
Regulatory Requirements	'
	9.Regulatory Requirements
	CSC is a savings and loan holding company and Schwab Bank, CSC’s depository institution subsidiary, is a federal savings bank. CSC is subject to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve) and Schwab Bank is subject to supervision and regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). CSC is currently not subject to specific statutory capital requirements, however, CSC is required to serve as a source of strength for Schwab Bank. CSC will be subject to new capital requirements set by the Federal Reserve that will be phased in beginning January 1, 2015.
	Schwab Bank is subject to regulation and supervision and to various requirements and restrictions under federal and state laws, including regulatory capital guidelines. Among other things, these requirements also restrict and govern the terms of affiliate transactions, such as extensions of credit and repayment of loans between Schwab Bank and CSC or CSC’s other subsidiaries. In addition, Schwab Bank is required to provide notice to and may be required to obtain approval of the OCC and the Federal Reserve to declare dividends to CSC. The federal banking agencies have broad powers to enforce these regulations, including the power to terminate deposit insurance, impose substantial fines and other civil and criminal penalties, and appoint a conservator or receiver. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, Schwab Bank could be subject to restrictive actions if it were to fall within one of the lowest three of five capital categories. Schwab Bank is required to maintain minimum capital levels as specified in federal banking laws and regulations. Failure to meet the minimum levels could result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on Schwab Bank. At September 30, 2014, CSC and Schwab Bank met the capital level requirements.
	The regulatory capital and ratios for Schwab Bank at September 30, 2014 are as follows:
								Minimum to be					Minimum Capital
		Actual						Well Capitalized					Requirement
		Amount			Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
	Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital	$	7,450		21.7	%		$	2,061	6.0	%		$	1,374	4.0	%
	Total Risk-Based Capital	$	7,491		21.8	%		$	3,436	10.0	%		$	2,749	8.0	%
	Tier 1 Leverage	$	7,450		7.1	%		$	5,265	5.0	%		$	4,212	4.0	%
	Tangible Equity	$	7,450		7.1	%			N/A				$	2,106	2.0	%
	N/A Not applicable.
	Based on its regulatory capital ratios at September 30, 2014, Schwab Bank is considered well capitalized (the highest category) pursuant to banking regulatory guidelines. There are no conditions or events since September 30, 2014, that management believes have changed Schwab Bank’s capital category.
	CSC’s principal U.S. broker-dealers are Schwab and optionsXpress, Inc. Schwab and optionsXpress, Inc. are both subject to Rule 15c3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Uniform Net Capital Rule). Schwab and optionsXpress, Inc. compute net capital under the alternative method permitted by the Uniform Net Capital Rule. This method requires the maintenance of minimum net capital, as defined, of the greater of 2% of aggregate debit balances arising from client transactions or a minimum dollar requirement ($250,000), which is based on the type of business conducted by the broker-dealer. Under the alternative method, a broker-dealer may not repay subordinated borrowings, pay cash dividends, or make any unsecured advances or loans to its parent company or employees if such payment would result in a net capital amount of less than 5% of aggregate debit balances or less than 120% of its minimum dollar requirement.
	optionsXpress, Inc. is also subject to Commodity Futures Trading Commission Regulation 1.17 (Reg. 1.17) under the Commodity Exchange Act, which also requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. optionsXpress, Inc., as a futures commission merchant, is required to maintain minimum net capital equal to the greater of its net capital requirement under Reg. 1.17 ($1 million), or the sum of 8% of the total risk margin requirements for all positions carried in client accounts and 8% of the total risk margin requirements for all positions carried in non-client accounts (as defined in Reg. 1.17).
	Net capital and net capital requirements for Schwab and optionsXpress, Inc. at September 30, 2014 are as follows:
																		Net Capital			Net Capital
							% of				Minimum				2% of			in Excess of			in Excess of 5%
							Aggregate				Net Capital				Aggregate			Required			of Aggregate
		Net Capital					Debit Balances				Required				Debit Balances			Net Capital			Debit Balances
	Schwab		$	1,589				10	%			$	0.250			$	324		$	1,265		$	778
	optionsXpress, Inc.		$	121				33	%			$	1			$	7		$	114		$	103

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	10.Segment Information
	The Company’s two reportable segments are Investor Services and Advisor Services. The Company structures its operating segments according to its clients and the services provided to those clients. The Investor Services segment provides retail brokerage and banking services to individual investors, retirement plan services, and corporate brokerage services. The Advisor Services segment provides custodial, trading, and support services to independent investment advisors, and retirement business services to independent retirement plan advisors and recordkeepers whose plan assets are held at Schwab Bank. Revenues and expenses are allocated to the Company’s two segments based on which segment services the client.
	The Company evaluates the performance of its segments on a pre-tax basis, excluding extraordinary or significant non-recurring items and results of discontinued operations. Segment assets and liabilities are not used for evaluating segment performance or in deciding how to allocate resources to segments. There are no revenues from transactions between the segments.
	Financial information for the Company’s reportable segments is presented in the following table:
		Investor Services				Advisor Services				Unallocated				Total
	Three Months Ended September 30,	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net Revenues:
	Asset management and administration fees	$	455	$	410	$	194	$	173	$	-	$	-	$	649	$	583
	Net interest revenue		513		450		60		56		-		-		573		506
	Trading revenue		144		153		65		71		-		-		209		224
	Other		57		44		18		13		45		-		120		57
	Provision for loan losses		1		3		-		1		-		-		1		4
	Net impairment losses on securities		-1		-		-		-1		-		-		-1		-1
	Total net revenues		1,169		1,060		337		313		45		-		1,551		1,373
	Expenses Excluding Interest		741		705		224		204		68		-		1,033		909
	Income before taxes on income	$	428	$	355	$	113	$	109	$	-23	$	-	$	518	$	464
	Taxes on income														197		174
	Net Income													$	321	$	290
		Investor Services				Advisor Services				Unallocated				Total
	Nine Months Ended September 30,	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net Revenues:
	Asset management and administration fees	$	1,324	$	1,199	$	568	$	508	$	-	$	-	$	1,892	$	1,707
	Net interest revenue		1,512		1,281		176		167		-		-		1,688		1,448
	Trading revenue		460		462		208		220		-		-		668		682
	Other		155		129		53		43		45		-		253		172
	Provision for loan losses		6		-1		1		-		-		-		7		-1
	Net impairment losses on securities		-1		-7		-		-1		-		-		-1		-8
	Total net revenues		3,456		3,063		1,006		937		45		-		4,507		4,000
	Expenses Excluding Interest		2,213		2,178		665		615		68		-		2,946		2,793
	Income before taxes on income	$	1,243	$	885	$	341	$	322	$	-23	$	-	$	1,561	$	1,207
	Taxes on income														590		455
	Net Income													$	971	$	752

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	11.Subsequent Events
	The Company has evaluated the impact of events that have occurred subsequent to September 30, 2014, through the date the condensed consolidated financial statements were filed with the SEC. Based on this evaluation, other than as recorded or disclosed within these condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes, the Company has determined none of these events were required to be recognized or disclosed.

Securities_Available_for_Sale_1

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity [Abstract]	'
Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses, and Fair Value of Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity	'
					Gross		Gross
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	30-Sep-14		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Securities available for sale:
	Asset-backed securities		$	19,419	$	90	$	6	$	19,503
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities			18,001		215		15		18,201
	Corporate debt securities			7,644		46		6		7,684
	U.S. agency notes			3,990		-		67		3,923
	Certificates of deposit			1,533		1		-		1,534
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities			543		19		24		538
	Treasury securities			499		1		-		500
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			311		7		-		318
	Total securities available for sale		$	51,940	$	379	$	118	$	52,201
	Securities held to maturity:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	33,005	$	316	$	357	$	32,964
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,002		4		31		975
	Total securities held to maturity		$	34,007	$	320	$	388	$	33,939
					Gross		Gross
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	31-Dec-13		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Securities available for sale:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	18,554	$	140	$	49	$	18,645
	Asset-backed securities			15,201		42		37		15,206
	Corporate debt securities			8,973		49		15		9,007
	U.S. agency notes			4,239		1		104		4,136
	Certificates of deposit			3,650		4		2		3,652
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities			616		11		34		593
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			271		8		-		279
	Other securities			100		-		-		100
	Total securities available for sale		$	51,604	$	255	$	241	$	51,618
	Securities held to maturity:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	29,260	$	161	$	921	$	28,500
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			958		-		68		890
	Other securities			100		-		-		100
	Total securities held to maturity		$	30,318	$	161	$	989	$	29,490
Securities with Unrealized Losses, Aggregated by Category and Period of Continuous Unrealized Loss	'
			Less than				12 months
			12 months				or longer				Total
			Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	30-Sep-14		Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
	Securities available for sale:
	Asset-backed securities		$	1,928	$	4	$	841	$	2	$	2,769	$	6
	U.S agency mortgage-backed securities			2,414		6		1,629		9		4,043		15
	Corporate debt securities			1,010		1		616		5		1,626		6
	U.S. agency notes			249		1		3,674		66		3,923		67
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed
	securities			25		1		311		23		336		24
	Total		$	5,626	$	13	$	7,071	$	105	$	12,697	$	118
	Securities held to maturity:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	4,421	$	17	$	11,565	$	340	$	15,986	$	357
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
	securities			163		2		645		29		808		31
	Total		$	4,584	$	19	$	12,210	$	369	$	16,794	$	388
	Total securities with unrealized losses (1)		$	10,210	$	32	$	19,281	$	474	$	29,491	$	506
	-1	The number of investment positions with unrealized losses totaled 209 for securities available for sale and 144 for securities held to maturity.
			Less than				12 months
			12 months				or longer				Total
			Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	31-Dec-13		Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
	Securities available for sale:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	5,044	$	47	$	93	$	2	$	5,137	$	49
	Asset-backed securities			6,391		33		591		4		6,982		37
	Corporate debt securities			1,802		14		499		1		2,301		15
	U.S. agency notes			3,636		104		-		-		3,636		104
	Certificates of deposit			-		-		299		2		299		2
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed
	securities			89		2		374		32		463		34
	Total		$	16,962	$	200	$	1,856	$	41	$	18,818	$	241
	Securities held to maturity:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities		$	19,175	$	698	$	2,345	$	223	$	21,520	$	921
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
	securities			630		43		260		25		890		68
	Total		$	19,805	$	741	$	2,605	$	248	$	22,410	$	989
	Total securities with unrealized losses (1)		$	36,767	$	941	$	4,461	$	289	$	41,228	$	1,230
	-1	The number of investment positions with unrealized losses totaled 273 for securities available for sale and 193 for securities held to maturity.
Rollforward Amount of Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings for OTTI Securities for Portion of Impairment Recognized in or Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income	'
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Balance at beginning of period		$	169	$	166	$	169	$	159
	Credit losses recognized into current period earnings on debt securities for
	which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized			1		-		1		1
	Credit losses recognized into current period earnings on debt securities for
	which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized			-		1		-		7
	Balance at end of period		$	170	$	167	$	170	$	167
Maturities of Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity	'
					After 1 year		After 5 years
			Within		through		through		After
			1 year		5 years		10 years		10 years		Total
	Securities available for sale:
	Asset-backed securities		$	-	$	2,666	$	5,148	$	11,689	$	19,503
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities (1)			-		1,312		4,425		12,464		18,201
	Corporate debt securities			741		6,893		50		-		7,684
	U.S. agency notes			-		3,923		-		-		3,923
	Certificates of deposit			384		1,150		-		-		1,534
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed
	securities (1)			-		2		-		536		538
	Treasury securities			-		500		-		-		500
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
	securities (1)			-		-		-		318		318
	Total fair value		$	1,125	$	16,446	$	9,623	$	25,007	$	52,201
	Total amortized cost		$	1,121	$	16,460	$	9,533	$	24,826	$	51,940
	Securities held to maturity:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities (1)		$	-	$	853	$	14,390	$	17,721	$	32,964
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
	securities (1)			-		-		352		623		975
	Total fair value		$	-	$	853	$	14,742	$	18,344	$	33,939
	Total amortized cost		$	-	$	854	$	14,827	$	18,326	$	34,007
	-1	Mortgage-backed securities have been allocated to maturity groupings based on final contractual maturities. Actual maturities will differ from final contractual maturities because borrowers on a certain portion of loans underlying these securities have the right to prepay their obligations.
Proceeds and Gross Realized Gains from Sales of Securities Available for Sale	'
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Proceeds		$	3,679	$	1,661	$	5,724	$	4,665
	Gross realized gains		$	12	$	2	$	14	$	5

Loans_to_Banking_Clients_and_R1

Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses [Abstract]	'
Composition of Loans to Banking Clients by Loan Segment	'
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Residential real estate mortgages		$	8,075		$	8,006
	Home equity lines of credit			2,982			3,041
	Personal loans secured by securities			2,033			1,384
	Other			30			36
	Total loans to banking clients (1)			13,120			12,467
	Allowance for loan losses			-40			-48
	Total loans to banking clients – net		$	13,080		$	12,419
	-1	All loans are evaluated for impairment by loan segment.
Changes in Allowance for Loan Losses	'
	Three Months Ended	30-Sep-14											30-Sep-13
		Residential											Residential
		real estate			Home equity								real estate			Home equity
		mortgages			lines of credit				Total				mortgages			lines of credit					Total
	Balance at beginning of period	$	28			$	13		$	41			$	40			$	17			$	57
	Charge-offs		-				-			-				-1				-1				-2
	Recoveries		-				-			-				1				-				1
	Provision for loan losses		-				-1			-1				-6				2				-4
	Balance at end of period	$	28			$	12		$	40			$	34			$	18			$	52
	Nine Months Ended	30-Sep-14											30-Sep-13
		Residential											Residential
		real estate			Home equity								real estate			Home equity
		mortgages			lines of credit				Total				mortgages			lines of credit						Total
	Balance at beginning of period	$	34			$	14		$	48			$	36			$	20			$	56
	Charge-offs		-1				-2			-3				-4				-4				-8
	Recoveries		1				1			2				2				1				3
	Provision for loan losses		-6				-1			-7				-				1				1
	Balance at end of period	$	28			$	12		$	40			$	34			$	18			$	52
Delinquency Analysis by Loan Class	'
														>90 days past					Total past due
					30-59 days				60-89 days					due and other					and other				Total
	30-Sep-14	Current			past due				past due					nonaccrual loans					nonaccrual loans				loans
	Residential real estate mortgages:
	First mortgages	$	7,884			$	5			$	3				$	24				$	32		$	7,916
	Purchased first mortgages		154				1				-					4					5			159
	Home equity lines of credit		2,967				3				1					11					15			2,982
	Personal loans secured by securities		2,031				2				-					-					2			2,033
	Other		30				-				-					-					-			30
	Total loans to banking clients	$	13,066			$	11			$	4				$	39				$	54		$	13,120
														>90 days past					Total past due
					30-59 days				60-89 days					due and other					and other				Total
	31-Dec-13	Current			past due				past due					nonaccrual loans					nonaccrual loans				loans
	Residential real estate mortgages:
	First mortgages	$	7,808			$	3			$	4				$	30				$	37		$	7,845
	Purchased first mortgages		154				1				-					6					7			161
	Home equity lines of credit		3,025				2				2					12					16			3,041
	Personal loans secured by securities		1,384				-				-					-					-			1,384
	Other		36				-				-					-					-			36
	Total loans to banking clients	$	12,407			$	6			$	6				$	48				$	60		$	12,467
Credit Quality of Residential Real Estate Mortgages and HELOCs by Reviewing FICO Scores at Origination, Current FICO Scores, Loan-To-Value Ratio	'
			Residential real estate mortgages
		First				Purchased							Home equity
	30-Sep-14	mortgages				first mortgages				Total			lines of credit
	Year of origination
	Pre-2010		$	731			$	49		$	780			$	2,131
	2010			392				7			399				175
	2011			588				33			621				143
	2012			2,167				25			2,192				150
	2013			3,109				34			3,143				248
	2014			929				11			940				135
	Total		$	7,916			$	159		$	8,075			$	2,982
	Origination FICO
	<620		$	10			$	1		$	11			$	-
	620 – 679			88				11			99				18
	680 – 739			1,336				31			1,367				557
	>740			6,482				116			6,598				2,407
	Total		$	7,916			$	159		$	8,075			$	2,982
	Updated FICO
	<620		$	46			$	4		$	50			$	37
	620 – 679			175				7			182				104
	680 – 739			1,022				26			1,048				444
	>740			6,673				122			6,795				2,397
	Total		$	7,916			$	159		$	8,075			$	2,982
	Origination LTV
	<70%		$	5,401			$	111		$	5,512			$	1,996
	>70% – <90%			2,501				44			2,545				964
	>90% – <100%			14				4			18				22
	Total		$	7,916			$	159		$	8,075			$	2,982
							Weighted							Percent of Loans
							Average				Utilization			that are on
	30-Sep-14		Balance				Updated FICO				Rate (1)			Nonaccrual Status
	Residential real estate mortgages:
	Estimated Current LTV
	<70%		$	7,138				776			N/A				0.08	%
	>70% – <90%			829				764			N/A				0.58	%
	>90% – <100%			52				737			N/A				1.79	%
	>100%			56				724			N/A				13.21	%
	Total		$	8,075				774			N/A				0.23	%
	Home equity lines of credit:
	Estimated Current LTV
	<70%		$	2,346				773			37	%			0.05	%
	>70% – <90%			499				762			49	%			0.49	%
	>90% – <100%			74				750			62	%			1.24	%
	>100%			63				740			64	%			2.02	%
	Total		$	2,982				770			39	%			0.19	%
	-1	The Utilization Rate is calculated using the outstanding HELOC balance divided by the associated total line of credit.
	N/A Not applicable.
			Residential real estate mortgages
		First				Purchased							Home equity
	31-Dec-13	mortgages				first mortgages				Total			lines of credit
	Year of origination
	Pre-2010		$	859			$	55		$	914			$	2,304
	2010			503				7			510				191
	2011			733				38			771				155
	2012			2,403				26			2,429				162
	2013			3,347				35			3,382				229
	Total		$	7,845			$	161		$	8,006			$	3,041
	Origination FICO
	<620		$	10			$	1		$	11			$	-
	620 – 679			96				14			110				20
	680 – 739			1,352				32			1,384				576
	>740			6,387				114			6,501				2,445
	Total		$	7,845			$	161		$	8,006			$	3,041
Updated FICO
<620		$	50			$	5		$	55			$	42
620 – 679			209				10			219				106
680 – 739			1,012				29			1,041				453
>740			6,574				117			6,691				2,440
Total		$	7,845			$	161		$	8,006			$	3,041
Origination LTV
<70%		$	5,306			$	110		$	5,416			$	2,040
>70% – <90%			2,523				45			2,568				977
>90% – <100%			16				6			22				24
Total		$	7,845			$	161		$	8,006			$	3,041
					Weighted								Percent of Loans
					Average					Utilization			that are on
31-Dec-13		Balance			Updated FICO					Rate (1)			Nonaccrual Status
Residential real estate mortgages:
Estimated Current LTV
<70%		$	6,649				775			N/A				0.05	%
>70% – <90%			1,181				763			N/A				0.34	%
>90% – <100%			86				732			N/A				4.77	%
>100%			90				730			N/A				10.50	%
Total		$	8,006				772			N/A				0.26	%
Home equity lines of credit:
Estimated Current LTV
<70%		$	2,127				773			36	%			0.13	%
>70% – <90%			664				762			48	%			0.22	%
>90% – <100%			127				752			59	%			1.22	%
>100%			123				743			63	%			1.34	%
Total		$	3,041				769			39	%			0.24	%
-1	The Utilization Rate is calculated using the outstanding HELOC balance divided by the associated total line of credit.
N/A Not applicable.

Fair_Values_of_Assets_and_Liab1

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Hierarchy for Assets Measured at Fair Value	'
		Quoted Prices
		in Active Markets				Significant				Significant
		for Identical				Other Observable				Unobservable
		Assets				Inputs				Inputs				Balance at
	30-Sep-14	(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)				Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	1,667			$	-			$	-			$	1,667
	Commercial paper			-				56				-				56
	Total cash equivalents			1,667				56				-				1,723
	Investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory
	purposes:
	Certificates of deposit			-				3,776				-				3,776
	U.S. Government securities			-				-				-				-
	Total investments segregated and on deposit for
	regulatory purposes			-				3,776				-				3,776
	Other securities owned:
	Schwab Funds® money market funds			293				-				-				293
	Equity and bond mutual funds			210				-				-				210
	State and municipal debt obligations			-				44				-				44
	Equity, U.S. Government and corporate debt, and
	other securities			1				24				-				25
	Total other securities owned			504				68				-				572
	Securities available for sale:
	Asset-backed securities			-				19,503				-				19,503
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities			-				18,201				-				18,201
	Corporate debt securities			-				7,684				-				7,684
	U.S. agency notes			-				3,923				-				3,923
	Certificates of deposit			-				1,534				-				1,534
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-				538				-				538
	Treasury securities			-				500				-				500
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			-				318				-				318
	Total securities available for sale			-				52,201				-				52,201
	Total		$	2,171			$	56,101			$	-			$	58,272
		Quoted Prices
		in Active Markets				Significant				Significant
		for Identical				Other Observable				Unobservable
		Assets				Inputs				Inputs				Balance at
	31-Dec-13	(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)				Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	1,141			$	-			$	-			$	1,141
	Commercial paper			-				22				-				22
	Total cash equivalents			1,141				22				-				1,163
	Investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory
	purposes:
	Certificates of deposit			-				2,737				-				2,737
	U.S. Government securities			-				2,539				-				2,539
	Total investments segregated and on deposit for
	regulatory purposes			-				5,276				-				5,276
	Other securities owned:
	Schwab Funds® money market funds			261				-				-				261
	Equity and bond mutual funds			208				-				-				208
	State and municipal debt obligations			-				32				-				32
	Equity, U.S. Government and corporate debt, and
	other securities			1				15				-				16
	Total other securities owned			470				47				-				517
	Securities available for sale:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities			-				18,645				-				18,645
	Asset-backed securities			-				15,206				-				15,206
	Corporate debt securities			-				9,007				-				9,007
	U.S. agency notes			-				4,136				-				4,136
	Certificates of deposit			-				3,652				-				3,652
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-				593				-				593
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities			-				279				-				279
Other securities			-				100				-				100
Total securities available for sale			-				51,618				-				51,618
Total		$	1,611			$	56,963			$	-			$	58,574
Fair Value Hierarchy for Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value	'
					Quoted Prices
					in Active Markets				Significant				Significant
					for Identical				Other Observable				Unobservable
			Carrying		Assets				Inputs				Inputs				Balance at
	30-Sep-14		Amount		(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)				Fair Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	6,865		$	-			$	6,865			$	-		$	6,865
	Cash and investments segregated and
	on deposit for regulatory purposes			16,111			-				16,111				-			16,111
	Receivables from brokers, dealers, and
	clearing organizations			458			-				458				-			458
	Receivables from brokerage clients – net			15,413			-				15,413				-			15,413
	Securities held to maturity:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities			33,005			-				32,964				-			32,964
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
	securities			1,002			-				975				-			975
	Total securities held to maturity			34,007			-				33,939				-			33,939
	Loans to banking clients: (1)
	Residential real estate mortgages			8,075			-				8,056				-			8,056
	Home equity lines of credit			2,982			-				3,046				-			3,046
	Personal loans secured by securities			2,033			-				2,033				-			2,033
	Other			30			-				29				-			29
	Total loans to banking clients			13,120			-				13,164				-			13,164
	Other assets			75			-				75				-			75
	Total		$	86,049		$	-			$	86,025			$	-		$	86,025
	Liabilities:
	Deposits from banking clients		$	97,345		$	-			$	97,345			$	-		$	97,345
	Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing
	organizations			2,099			-				2,099				-			2,099
	Payables to brokerage clients			33,131			-				33,131				-			33,131
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities			471			-				471				-			471
	Long-term debt			1,900			-				2,012				-			2,012
	Total		$	134,946		$	-			$	135,058			$	-		$	135,058
	-1	The carrying value of loans to banking clients excludes the allowance for loan losses of $40 million at September 30, 2014.
					Quoted Prices
					in Active Markets				Significant				Significant
					for Identical				Other Observable				Unobservable
			Carrying		Assets				Inputs				Inputs				Balance at
	31-Dec-13		Amount		(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)				Fair Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	6,565		$	-			$	6,565			$	-		$	6,565
	Cash and investments segregated and
	on deposit for regulatory purposes			18,273			-				18,273				-			18,273
	Receivables from brokers, dealers, and
	clearing organizations			509			-				509				-			509
	Receivables from brokerage clients – net			13,949			-				13,949				-			13,949
	Securities held to maturity:
	U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities			29,260			-				28,500				-			28,500
	Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed
	securities			958			-				890				-			890
	Other securities			100			-				100				-			100
	Total securities held to maturity			30,318			-				29,490				-			29,490
	Loans to banking clients: (1)
	Residential real estate mortgages			8,006			-				7,930				-			7,930
	Home equity lines of credit			3,041			-				3,043				-			3,043
	Personal loans secured by securities			1,384			-				1,384				-			1,384
	Other			36			-				35				-			35
	Total loans to banking clients			12,467			-				12,392				-			12,392
	Other assets			64			-				64				-			64
	Total		$	82,145		$	-			$	81,242			$	-		$	81,242
	Liabilities:
	Deposits from banking clients		$	92,972		$	-			$	92,972			$	-		$	92,972
	Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing
organizations			1,467			-				1,467				-			1,467
Payables to brokerage clients			35,333			-				35,333				-			35,333
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			680			-				680				-			680
Long-term debt			1,903			-				1,989				-			1,989
Total		$	132,355		$	-			$	132,441			$	-		$	132,441
-1	The carrying value of loans to banking clients excludes the allowance for loan losses of $48 million at December 31, 2013.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Components of Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'
	Three Months Ended September 30,				2014								2013
			Before		Tax				Net of		Before		Tax			Net of
			tax		effect				tax		tax		effect			tax
	Change in net unrealized gain on
	securities available for sale:
	Net unrealized (loss) gain		$	-25	$	9		$	-16		$	72	$	-28	$	44
	Reclassification of impairment charges
	included in net impairment losses
	on securities			1		-1			-			1		-		1
	Other reclassifications included in
	other revenue			-12		5			-7			-2		-		-2
	Change in net unrealized gain on
	securities available for sale			-36		13			-23			71		-28		43
	Other comprehensive (loss) income		$	-36	$	13		$	-23		$	71	$	-28	$	43
	Nine Months Ended September 30,				2014								2013
			Before		Tax				Net of		Before		Tax			Net of
			tax		effect				tax		tax		effect			tax
	Change in net unrealized gain on
	securities available for sale:
	Net unrealized gain (loss)		$	260	$	-97		$	163		$	-408	$	153	$	-255
	Reclassification of impairment charges
	included in net impairment losses
	on securities			1		-1			-			8		-2		6
	Other reclassifications included in
	other revenue			-14		5			-9			-5		1		-4
	Change in net unrealized gain on
	securities available for sale			247		-93			154			-405		152		-253
	Other			-		-			-			1		-		1
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		$	247	$	-93		$	154		$	-404	$	152	$	-252
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances	'
		Net unrealized								Total
		gain on securities								accumulated other
		available for sale				Other				comprehensive income
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	299			$	-1			$	298
	Other net changes			-253				1				-252
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	46			$	-			$	46
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	9			$	-			$	9
	Other net changes			154				-				154
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	163			$	-			$	163

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
EPS under Basic and Diluted Computations	'
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income		$	321	$	290	$	971	$	752
	Preferred stock dividends			-9		-8		-39		-39
	Net income available to common stockholders		$	312	$	282	$	932	$	713
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic			1,304		1,287		1,302		1,282
	Common stock equivalent shares related to stock incentive plans			12		9		11		6
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — diluted (1)			1,316		1,296		1,313		1,288
	Basic EPS		$	.24	$	.22	$	.71	$	.55
	Diluted EPS		$	.24	$	.22	$	.70	$	.55
	-1	Antidilutive stock options and restricted stock awards excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS totaled 12 million and 19 million shares for the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 18 million and 31 million shares for the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Regulatory_Requirements_Tables

Regulatory Requirements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulatory Requirements [Abstract]	'
Regulatory Capital and Ratios	'
								Minimum to be					Minimum Capital
		Actual						Well Capitalized					Requirement
		Amount			Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
	Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital	$	7,450		21.7	%		$	2,061	6.0	%		$	1,374	4.0	%
	Total Risk-Based Capital	$	7,491		21.8	%		$	3,436	10.0	%		$	2,749	8.0	%
	Tier 1 Leverage	$	7,450		7.1	%		$	5,265	5.0	%		$	4,212	4.0	%
	Tangible Equity	$	7,450		7.1	%			N/A				$	2,106	2.0	%
	N/A Not applicable.
Net Capital and Net Capital Requirements for Schwab and optionsXpress, Inc.	'
																		Net Capital			Net Capital
							% of				Minimum				2% of			in Excess of			in Excess of 5%
							Aggregate				Net Capital				Aggregate			Required			of Aggregate
		Net Capital					Debit Balances				Required				Debit Balances			Net Capital			Debit Balances
	Schwab		$	1,589				10	%			$	0.250			$	324		$	1,265		$	778
	optionsXpress, Inc.		$	121				33	%			$	1			$	7		$	114		$	103

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Financial Information for Reportable Segments	'
		Investor Services				Advisor Services				Unallocated				Total
	Three Months Ended September 30,	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net Revenues:
	Asset management and administration fees	$	455	$	410	$	194	$	173	$	-	$	-	$	649	$	583
	Net interest revenue		513		450		60		56		-		-		573		506
	Trading revenue		144		153		65		71		-		-		209		224
	Other		57		44		18		13		45		-		120		57
	Provision for loan losses		1		3		-		1		-		-		1		4
	Net impairment losses on securities		-1		-		-		-1		-		-		-1		-1
	Total net revenues		1,169		1,060		337		313		45		-		1,551		1,373
	Expenses Excluding Interest		741		705		224		204		68		-		1,033		909
	Income before taxes on income	$	428	$	355	$	113	$	109	$	-23	$	-	$	518	$	464
	Taxes on income														197		174
	Net Income													$	321	$	290
		Investor Services				Advisor Services				Unallocated				Total
	Nine Months Ended September 30,	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net Revenues:
	Asset management and administration fees	$	1,324	$	1,199	$	568	$	508	$	-	$	-	$	1,892	$	1,707
	Net interest revenue		1,512		1,281		176		167		-		-		1,688		1,448
	Trading revenue		460		462		208		220		-		-		668		682
	Other		155		129		53		43		45		-		253		172
	Provision for loan losses		6		-1		1		-		-		-		7		-1
	Net impairment losses on securities		-1		-7		-		-1		-		-		-1		-8
	Total net revenues		3,456		3,063		1,006		937		45		-		4,507		4,000
	Expenses Excluding Interest		2,213		2,178		665		615		68		-		2,946		2,793
	Income before taxes on income	$	1,243	$	885	$	341	$	322	$	-23	$	-	$	1,561	$	1,207
	Taxes on income														590		455
	Net Income													$	971	$	752

Introduction_and_Basis_of_Pres1

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014
	state
	item
Introduction and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Minimum number of domestic branch offices	300
States with domestic branch offices	45

Securities_Available_for_Sale_2

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
	item				item
Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Fair value of pledged securities	$132		'		$132		'
Fair Isaac & Company minimum credit score for Prime loan origination	620		'		620		'
Net impairment losses on securities	$1	[1]	$1	[1]	$1	[1]	$8	[1]
[1]	Net impairment losses on securities include total other-than-temporary impairment losses of $1 million and $0 recognized in other comprehensive income, net of $0 and $(1) million reclassified from other comprehensive income, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Net impairment losses on securities include total other-than-temporary impairment losses of $1 million and $2 million recognized in other comprehensive income, net of $0 and $(6) million reclassified from other comprehensive income, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Securities_Available_for_Sale_3

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses, and Fair Value of Securities Available for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	$51,940		$51,604
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Gains	379		255
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Losses	118		241
Securities available for sale	52,201		51,618
Asset-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	19,419		15,201
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Gains	90		42
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Losses	6		37
Securities available for sale	19,503		15,206
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	18,001		18,554
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Gains	215		140
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Losses	15		49
Securities available for sale	18,201	[1]	18,645
Corporate debt securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	7,644		8,973
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Gains	46		49
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Losses	6		15
Securities available for sale	7,684		9,007
U.S. agency notes [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	3,990		4,239
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Gains	'		1
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Losses	67		104
Securities available for sale	3,923		4,136
Certificates of deposit [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	1,533		3,650
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Gains	1		4
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Losses	'		2
Securities available for sale	1,534		3,652
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	543		616
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Gains	19		11
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Losses	24		34
Securities available for sale	538	[1]	593
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	311		271
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Gains	7		8
Securities available for sale	318	[1]	279
Treasury securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	499		'
Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Gains	1		'
Securities available for sale	500		'
Other securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	'		100
Securities available for sale	'		$100
[1]	Mortgage-backed securities have been allocated to maturity groupings based on final contractual maturities. Actual maturities will differ from final contractual maturities because borrowers on a certain portion of loans underlying these securities have the right to prepay their obligations.

Securities_Available_for_Sale_4

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses, and Fair Value of Securities Held to Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities held to maturity, Amortized Cost	$34,007		$30,318
Securities held to maturity Gross Unrealized Gains	320		161
Securities held to maturity Gross Unrealized Losses	388		989
Securities held to maturity, fair value	33,939		29,490
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities held to maturity, Amortized Cost	33,005		29,260
Securities held to maturity Gross Unrealized Gains	316		161
Securities held to maturity Gross Unrealized Losses	357		921
Securities held to maturity, fair value	32,964	[1]	28,500
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities held to maturity, Amortized Cost	1,002		958
Securities held to maturity Gross Unrealized Gains	4		'
Securities held to maturity Gross Unrealized Losses	31		68
Securities held to maturity, fair value	975	[1]	890
Other securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities held to maturity, Amortized Cost	'		100
Securities held to maturity, fair value	'		$100
[1]	Mortgage-backed securities have been allocated to maturity groupings based on final contractual maturities. Actual maturities will differ from final contractual maturities because borrowers on a certain portion of loans underlying these securities have the right to prepay their obligations.

Securities_Available_for_Sale_5

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Available For Sale Securities with Unrealized Losses, Aggregated by Category and Period of Continuous Unrealized Loss) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	security	security
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Fair Value	$5,626	$16,962
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	13	200
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Fair Value	7,071	1,856
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	105	41
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	12,697	18,818
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	118	241
Number of available for sale securities in unrealized loss positions	209	273
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Fair Value	2,414	5,044
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	6	47
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Fair Value	1,629	93
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	9	2
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	4,043	5,137
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	15	49
Asset-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Fair Value	1,928	6,391
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	4	33
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Fair Value	841	591
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	2	4
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	2,769	6,982
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	6	37
Corporate debt securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Fair Value	1,010	1,802
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	1	14
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Fair Value	616	499
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	5	1
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	1,626	2,301
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	6	15
U.S. agency notes [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Fair Value	249	3,636
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	1	104
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Fair Value	3,674	'
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	66	'
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	3,923	3,636
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	67	104
Certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Fair Value	'	299
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	'	2
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	'	299
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	'	2
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Fair Value	25	89
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	1	2
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Fair Value	311	374
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	23	32
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	336	463
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	$24	$34

Securities_Available_for_Sale_6

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Held To Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses, Aggregated by Category and Period of Continuous Unrealized Loss) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	security	security
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities held to maturity Less than 12 months Fair Value	$4,584	$19,805
Securities held to maturity Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	19	741
Securities held to maturity 12 months or longer Fair Value	12,210	2,605
Securities held to maturity 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	369	248
Total Securities held to maturity with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	16,794	22,410
Total Securities held to maturity with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	388	989
Number of held to maturity securities in unrealized loss positions	144	193
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities held to maturity Less than 12 months Fair Value	4,421	19,175
Securities held to maturity Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	17	698
Securities held to maturity 12 months or longer Fair Value	11,565	2,345
Securities held to maturity 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	340	223
Total Securities held to maturity with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	15,986	21,520
Total Securities held to maturity with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	357	921
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Securities held to maturity Less than 12 months Fair Value	163	630
Securities held to maturity Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	2	43
Securities held to maturity 12 months or longer Fair Value	645	260
Securities held to maturity 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	29	25
Total Securities held to maturity with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	808	890
Total Securities held to maturity with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	$31	$68

Securities_Available_for_Sale_7

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Securities with Unrealized Losses, Aggregated by Category and Period of Continuous Unrealized Loss) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Fair Value	$5,626		$16,962
Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	13		200
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Fair Value	7,071		1,856
Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	105		41
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	12,697		18,818
Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	118		241
Securities held to maturity Less than 12 months Fair Value	4,584		19,805
Securities held to maturity Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	19		741
Securities held to maturity 12 months or longer Fair Value	12,210		2,605
Securities held to maturity 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	369		248
Total Securities held to maturity with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	16,794		22,410
Total Securities held to maturity with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	388		989
Securities Less than 12 months Fair Value	10,210	[1]	36,767	[2]
Securities Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses	32	[1]	941	[2]
Securities 12 months or longer Fair Value	19,281	[1]	4,461	[2]
Securities 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	474	[1]	289	[2]
Total securities with unrealized losses Total Fair Value	29,491	[1]	41,228	[2]
Total securities with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses	$506	[1]	$1,230	[2]
[1]	The number of investment positions with unrealized losses totaled 209 for securities available for sale and 144 for securities held to maturity.
[2]	The number of investment positions with unrealized losses totaled 273 for securities available for sale and 193 for securities held to maturity.

Securities_Available_for_Sale_8

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Rollforward Amount of Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings for OTTI Securities for Portion of Impairment Recognized in or Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$169	$166	$169	$159
Credit losses recognized into current period earnings on debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized	1	'	1	1
Credit losses recognized into current period earnings on debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized	'	1	'	7
Balance at end of period	$170	$167	$170	$167

Securities_Available_for_Sale_9

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Maturities of Securities Available for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale fair value Within 1 year	$1,125		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 1 year through 5 years	16,446		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 5 years through 10 years	9,623		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 10 years	25,007		'
Securities available for sale	52,201		51,618
Securities available for sale Within 1 year amortized cost	1,121		'
Securities available for sale After 1 year through 5 years amortized cost	16,460		'
Securities available for sale After 5 years through 10 years amortized cost	9,533		'
Securities available for sale After 10 years amortized cost	24,826		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	51,940		51,604
Asset-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 1 year through 5 years	2,666		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 5 years through 10 years	5,148		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 10 years	11,689		'
Securities available for sale	19,503		15,206
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	19,419		15,201
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 1 year through 5 years	1,312	[1]	'
Securities available for sale fair value After 5 years through 10 years	4,425	[1]	'
Securities available for sale fair value After 10 years	12,464	[1]	'
Securities available for sale	18,201	[1]	18,645
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	18,001		18,554
Corporate debt securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale fair value Within 1 year	741		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 1 year through 5 years	6,893		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 5 years through 10 years	50		'
Securities available for sale	7,684		9,007
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	7,644		8,973
U.S. agency notes [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 1 year through 5 years	3,923		'
Securities available for sale	3,923		4,136
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	3,990		4,239
Certificates of deposit [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale fair value Within 1 year	384		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 1 year through 5 years	1,150		'
Securities available for sale	1,534		3,652
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	1,533		3,650
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 1 year through 5 years	2	[1]	'
Securities available for sale fair value After 10 years	536	[1]	'
Securities available for sale	538	[1]	593
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	543		616
Treasury securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 1 year through 5 years	500		'
Securities available for sale	500		'
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	499		'
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities available for sale fair value After 10 years	318	[1]	'
Securities available for sale	318	[1]	279
Securities available for sale Amortized Cost	$311		$271
[1]	Mortgage-backed securities have been allocated to maturity groupings based on final contractual maturities. Actual maturities will differ from final contractual maturities because borrowers on a certain portion of loans underlying these securities have the right to prepay their obligations.

Recovered_Sheet1

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Maturities of Securities Held to Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities held to maturity Within 1 year	'		'
Securities held to maturity After 1 year through 5 years	853		'
Securities held to maturity After 5 years through 10 years	14,742		'
Securities held to maturity After 10 years	18,344		'
Securities held to maturity, fair value	33,939		29,490
Securities held to maturity Within 1 year amortized cost	'		'
Securities held to maturity After 1 year through 5 years amortized cost	854		'
Securities held to maturity After 5 years through 10 years amortized cost	14,827		'
Securities held to maturity After 10 years amortized cost	18,326		'
Securities held to maturity, Amortized Cost	34,007		30,318
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities held to maturity Within 1 year	'	[1]	'
Securities held to maturity After 1 year through 5 years	853	[1]	'
Securities held to maturity After 5 years through 10 years	14,390	[1]	'
Securities held to maturity After 10 years	17,721	[1]	'
Securities held to maturity, fair value	32,964	[1]	28,500
Securities held to maturity, Amortized Cost	33,005		29,260
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Securities held to maturity After 5 years through 10 years	352	[1]	'
Securities held to maturity After 10 years	623	[1]	'
Securities held to maturity, fair value	975	[1]	890
Securities held to maturity, Amortized Cost	$1,002		$958
[1]	Mortgage-backed securities have been allocated to maturity groupings based on final contractual maturities. Actual maturities will differ from final contractual maturities because borrowers on a certain portion of loans underlying these securities have the right to prepay their obligations.

Recovered_Sheet2

Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Proceeds and Gross Realized Gains from Sales of Securities Available for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Proceeds	$3,679	$1,661	$5,724	$4,665
Gross realized gains	$12	$2	$14	$5

Loans_to_Banking_Clients_and_R2

Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
			First Mortgage [Member]	First Mortgage [Member]	First Mortgage [Member]	First Mortgage [Member]	Home equity lines of credit [Member]	Home equity lines of credit [Member]	Home equity lines of credit [Member]	Home equity lines of credit [Member]
Loans Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Commitments to extend credit related to unused home equity lines of credit, personal loans secured by securities, and other lines of credit	$6,300,000,000	$5,700,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchased first mortgages and HELOCs	'	'	371,000,000	862,000,000	989,000,000	3,100,000,000	167,000,000	248,000,000	514,000,000	687,000,000
Loans accruing interest contractually 90 days or more past due	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Nonperforming assets, including nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned	$46,000,000	$53,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Loans_to_Banking_Clients_and_R3

Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses (Composition of Loans to Banking Clients by Loan Segment) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	$13,120	[1]	'	$12,467	[1]	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses	-40		-41	-48		-52	-57	-56
Total loans to banking clients - net	13,080		'	12,419		'	'	'
Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	8,075		'	8,006		'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses	-28		-28	-34		-34	-40	-36
Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	2,982		'	3,041		'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses	-12		-13	-14		-18	-17	-20
Personal loans secured by securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	2,033		'	1,384		'	'	'
Other [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	$30		'	$36		'	'	'
[1]	All loans are evaluated for impairment by loan segment.

Loans_to_Banking_Clients_and_R4

Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses (Changes in Allowance for Loan Losses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
					Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	Home equity lines of credit [Member]	Home equity lines of credit [Member]	Home equity lines of credit [Member]	Home equity lines of credit [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$41	$57	$48	$56	$40	$34	$36	$28	$13	$17	$14	$20
Charge-offs	'	-2	-3	-8	-1	-1	-4	'	'	-1	-2	-4
Recoveries	'	1	2	3	1	1	2	'	'	'	1	1
Provision for loan losses	-1	-4	-7	1	-6	-6	'	'	-1	2	-1	1
Balance at end of period	$40	$52	$40	$52	$34	$28	$34	$28	$12	$18	$12	$18

Loans_to_Banking_Clients_and_R5

Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses (Delinquency Analysis by Loan Class) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'		'
Current	$13,066		$12,407
30-59 days past due	11		6
60-89 days past due	4		6
>90 days past due and other nonaccrual loans	39		48
Total past due	54		60
Total loans	13,120	[1]	12,467	[1]
Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'		'
Current	7,884		7,808
30-59 days past due	5		3
60-89 days past due	3		4
>90 days past due and other nonaccrual loans	24		30
Total past due	32		37
Total loans	7,916		7,845
Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'		'
Current	154		154
30-59 days past due	1		1
>90 days past due and other nonaccrual loans	4		6
Total past due	5		7
Total loans	159		161
Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'		'
Current	2,967		3,025
30-59 days past due	3		2
60-89 days past due	1		2
>90 days past due and other nonaccrual loans	11		12
Total past due	15		16
Total loans	2,982		3,041
Personal loans secured by securities [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'		'
Current	2,031		1,384
30-59 days past due	2		'
Total past due	2		'
Total loans	2,033		1,384
Other [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'		'
Current	30		36
Total loans	$30		$36
[1]	All loans are evaluated for impairment by loan segment.

Loans_to_Banking_Clients_and_R6

Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses (Credit Quality of Residential Real Estate Mortgages and HELOCs by Reviewing FICO Scores at Origination, Current FICO Scores, Loan-To-Value Ratio) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	$13,120	[1]	$12,467	[1]
Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	7,916		7,845
Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	159		161
Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	8,075		8,006
Weighted Average Updated FICO	774		772
Percent of Loans that are on Nonaccrual Status	0.23%		0.26%
Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	2,982		3,041
Weighted Average Updated FICO	770		769
Utilization Rate	39.00%	[2]	39.00%	[2]
Percent of Loans that are on Nonaccrual Status	0.19%		0.24%
Year of origination Pre 2010 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	731		859
Year of origination Pre 2010 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	49		55
Year of origination Pre 2010 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	780		914
Year of origination Pre 2010 [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	2,131		2,304
Year of origination 2010 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	392		503
Year of origination 2010 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	7		7
Year of origination 2010 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	399		510
Year of origination 2010 [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	175		191
Year of origination 2011 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	588		733
Year of origination 2011 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	33		38
Year of origination 2011 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	621		771
Year of origination 2011 [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	143		155
Year of origination 2012 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	2,167		2,403
Year of origination 2012 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	25		26
Year of origination 2012 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	2,192		2,429
Year of origination 2012 [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	150		162
Year of origination 2013 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	3,109		3,347
Year of origination 2013 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	34		35
Year of origination 2013 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	3,143		3,382
Year of origination 2013 [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	248		229
Year of origination 2014 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	929		'
Year of origination 2014 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	11		'
Year of origination 2014 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	940		'
Year of origination 2014 [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	135		'
Origination FICO Score Below 620 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	10		10
Origination FICO Score Below 620 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	1		1
Origination FICO Score Below 620 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	11		11
Origination FICO Score 620 Through 679 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	88		96
Origination FICO Score 620 Through 679 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	11		14
Origination FICO Score 620 Through 679 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	99		110
Origination FICO Score 620 Through 679 [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	18		20
Origination FICO Score 680 Through 739 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	1,336		1,352
Origination FICO Score 680 Through 739 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	31		32
Origination FICO Score 680 Through 739 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	1,367		1,384
Origination FICO Score 680 Through 739 [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	557		576
Origination FICO Score 740 And Above [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	6,482		6,387
Origination FICO Score 740 And Above [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	116		114
Origination FICO Score 740 And Above [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	6,598		6,501
Origination FICO Score 740 And Above [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	2,407		2,445
Updated FICO Score Below 620 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	46		50
Updated FICO Score Below 620 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	4		5
Updated FICO Score Below 620 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	50		55
Updated FICO Score Below 620 [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	37		42
Updated FICO Score 620 Through 679 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	175		209
Updated FICO Score 620 Through 679 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	7		10
Updated FICO Score 620 Through 679 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	182		219
Updated FICO Score 620 Through 679 [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	104		106
Updated FICO Score 680 Through 739 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	1,022		1,012
Updated FICO Score 680 Through 739 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	26		29
Updated FICO Score 680 Through 739 [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	1,048		1,041
Updated FICO Score 680 Through 739 [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	444		453
Updated FICO Score 740 And Above [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	6,673		6,574
Updated FICO Score 740 And Above [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	122		117
Updated FICO Score 740 And Above [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	6,795		6,691
Updated FICO Score 740 And Above [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	2,397		2,440
Origination Loan To Value Ratio 70% And Below [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	5,401		5,306
Origination Loan To Value Ratio 70% And Below [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	111		110
Origination Loan To Value Ratio 70% And Below [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	5,512		5,416
Origination Loan To Value Ratio 70% And Below [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	1,996		2,040
Origination Loan to Value Ratio Greater Than 70% Through 90% [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	2,501		2,523
Origination Loan to Value Ratio Greater Than 70% Through 90% [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	44		45
Origination Loan to Value Ratio Greater Than 70% Through 90% [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	2,545		2,568
Origination Loan to Value Ratio Greater Than 70% Through 90% [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	964		977
Origination Loan to Value Ratio Greater Than 90% Through 100% [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	14		16
Origination Loan to Value Ratio Greater Than 90% Through 100% [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	4		6
Origination Loan to Value Ratio Greater Than 90% Through 100% [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	18		22
Origination Loan to Value Ratio Greater Than 90% Through 100% [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	22		24
Estimated Current LTV 70% And Below [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	7,138		6,649
Weighted Average Updated FICO	776		775
Percent of Loans that are on Nonaccrual Status	0.08%		0.05%
Estimated Current LTV 70% And Below [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	2,346		2,127
Weighted Average Updated FICO	773		773
Utilization Rate	37.00%	[2]	36.00%	[2]
Percent of Loans that are on Nonaccrual Status	0.05%		0.13%
Estimated Current LTV Greater Than 70% through 90% [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	829		1,181
Weighted Average Updated FICO	764		763
Percent of Loans that are on Nonaccrual Status	0.58%		0.34%
Estimated Current LTV Greater Than 70% through 90% [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	499		664
Weighted Average Updated FICO	762		762
Utilization Rate	49.00%	[2]	48.00%	[2]
Percent of Loans that are on Nonaccrual Status	0.49%		0.22%
Estimated Current LTV Greater Than 90% through 100% [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	52		86
Weighted Average Updated FICO	737		732
Percent of Loans that are on Nonaccrual Status	1.79%		4.77%
Estimated Current LTV Greater Than 90% through 100% [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	74		127
Weighted Average Updated FICO	750		752
Utilization Rate	62.00%	[2]	59.00%	[2]
Percent of Loans that are on Nonaccrual Status	1.24%		1.22%
Estimated Current LTV Greater Than 100% [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	56		90
Weighted Average Updated FICO	724		730
Percent of Loans that are on Nonaccrual Status	13.21%		10.50%
Estimated Current LTV Greater Than 100% [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans to banking clients	$63		$123
Weighted Average Updated FICO	740		743
Utilization Rate	64.00%	[2]	63.00%	[2]
Percent of Loans that are on Nonaccrual Status	2.02%		1.34%
[1]	All loans are evaluated for impairment by loan segment.
[2]	The Utilization Rate is calculated using the outstanding HELOC balance divided by the associated total line of credit.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 28, 2008	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Standby letters of credit [Member]	Performance Guarantee [Member]	Bond Market Fund Litigation [Member]	Margin Requirements [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Aggregate face amount of letter of credit agreements	$240	'	'	'
Funds drawn under LOC's	'	'	'	0
Alleged minimum percentage of fund assets invested in CMOs and mortgage-backed securities without obtaining shareholder vote	'	'	25.00%	'
Liability for guarantees	'	$0	'	'

Fair_Values_of_Assets_and_Liab2

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Fair value of client securities pledged in securities lending transactions to other broker-dealers	$1,400,000,000	$1,100,000,000
Fair value of borrowed securities from other broker-dealers to fulfill short sales by clients	$123,000,000	$276,000,000

Fair_Values_of_Assets_and_Liab3

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Fair Value Hierarchy for Assets Measured at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other securities owned	$572	$517
Securities available for sale	52,201	51,618
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	1,723	1,163
Investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes	3,776	5,276
Other securities owned	572	517
Securities available for sale	52,201	51,618
Total	58,272	58,574
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	1,667	1,141
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	56	22
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes	3,776	2,737
Securities available for sale	1,534	3,652
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Government securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes	'	2,539
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Schwab Funds money market funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other securities owned	293	261
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity and bond mutual funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other securities owned	210	208
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | State and municipal debt obligations [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other securities owned	44	32
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity, U.S. Government and corporate debt, and other securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other securities owned	25	16
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	19,503	15,206
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	18,201	18,645
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	7,684	9,007
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. agency notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	3,923	4,136
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	538	593
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Treasury securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	500	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	318	279
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	'	100
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	1,667	1,141
Other securities owned	504	470
Total	2,171	1,611
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	1,667	1,141
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Schwab Funds money market funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other securities owned	293	261
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity and bond mutual funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other securities owned	210	208
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity, U.S. Government and corporate debt, and other securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other securities owned	1	1
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	56	22
Investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes	3,776	5,276
Other securities owned	68	47
Securities available for sale	52,201	51,618
Total	56,101	56,963
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	56	22
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes	3,776	2,737
Securities available for sale	1,534	3,652
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Government securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes	'	2,539
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | State and municipal debt obligations [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other securities owned	44	32
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity, U.S. Government and corporate debt, and other securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other securities owned	24	15
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	19,503	15,206
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	18,201	18,645
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	7,684	9,007
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. agency notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	3,923	4,136
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	538	593
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Treasury securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	500	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	318	279
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale	'	$100

Fair_Values_of_Assets_and_Liab4

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Fair Value Hierarchy for Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	$33,939		'	$29,490		'	'	'
Liabilities:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses	40		41	48		52	57	56
Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Liabilities:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses	28		28	34		34	40	36
Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Liabilities:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses	12		13	14		18	17	20
Carrying Amount [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	6,865		'	6,565		'	'	'
Cash and investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes	16,111		'	18,273		'	'	'
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations	458		'	509		'	'	'
Receivables from brokerage clients - net	15,413		'	13,949		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	34,007		'	30,318		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	13,120	[1]	'	12,467	[2]	'	'	'
Other assets	75	[1]	'	64		'	'	'
Total	86,049		'	82,145		'	'	'
Liabilities:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Deposits from banking clients	97,345		'	92,972		'	'	'
Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations	2,099		'	1,467		'	'	'
Payables to brokerage clients	33,131		'	35,333		'	'	'
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	471		'	680		'	'	'
Long-term debt	1,900		'	1,903		'	'	'
Total	134,946		'	132,355		'	'	'
Carrying Amount [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	8,075	[1]	'	8,006	[2]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	2,982	[1]	'	3,041	[2]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount [Member] | Personal loans secured by securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	2,033	[1]	'	1,384	[2]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	30	[1]	'	36	[2]	'	'	'
Carrying Amount [Member] | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	33,005		'	29,260		'	'	'
Carrying Amount [Member] | Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	1,002		'	958		'	'	'
Carrying Amount [Member] | Other securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	'		'	100		'	'	'
Fair Value [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	6,865		'	6,565		'	'	'
Cash and investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes	16,111		'	18,273		'	'	'
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations	458		'	509		'	'	'
Receivables from brokerage clients - net	15,413		'	13,949		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	33,939		'	29,490		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	13,164	[1]	'	12,392	[2]	'	'	'
Other assets	75	[1]	'	64		'	'	'
Total	86,025		'	81,242		'	'	'
Liabilities:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Deposits from banking clients	97,345		'	92,972		'	'	'
Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations	2,099		'	1,467		'	'	'
Payables to brokerage clients	33,131		'	35,333		'	'	'
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	471		'	680		'	'	'
Long-term debt	2,012		'	1,989		'	'	'
Total	135,058		'	132,441		'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	8,056	[1]	'	7,930	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	3,046	[1]	'	3,043	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Personal loans secured by securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	2,033	[1]	'	1,384	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	29	[1]	'	35	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	32,964		'	28,500		'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	975		'	890		'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Other securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	'		'	100		'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	6,865		'	6,565		'	'	'
Cash and investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes	16,111		'	18,273		'	'	'
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations	458		'	509		'	'	'
Receivables from brokerage clients - net	15,413		'	13,949		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	33,939		'	29,490		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	13,164	[1]	'	12,392	[2]	'	'	'
Other assets	75	[1]	'	64		'	'	'
Total	86,025		'	81,242		'	'	'
Liabilities:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Deposits from banking clients	97,345		'	92,972		'	'	'
Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations	2,099		'	1,467		'	'	'
Payables to brokerage clients	33,131		'	35,333		'	'	'
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	471		'	680		'	'	'
Long-term debt	2,012		'	1,989		'	'	'
Total	135,058		'	132,441		'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Residential real estate mortgages [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	8,056	[1]	'	7,930	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Home equity lines of credit [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	3,046	[1]	'	3,043	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Personal loans secured by securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	2,033	[1]	'	1,384	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Loans to banking clients	29	[1]	'	35	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	32,964		'	28,500		'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	975		'	890		'	'	'
Fair Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other securities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Securities held to maturity	'		'	$100		'	'	'
[1]	The carrying value of loans to banking clients excludes the allowance for loan losses of $40 million at September 30, 2014.
[2]	The carrying value of loans to banking clients excludes the allowance for loan losses of $48 million at December 31, 2013.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Components of Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Change in net unrealized gain on Securities available for sale:	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized (loss) gain	($25)	$72	$260	($408)
Reclassification of impairment charges included in net impairment losses on securities	1	1	1	8
Other reclassifications included in other revenue	-12	-2	-14	-5
Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale	-36	71	247	-405
Other	'	'	'	1
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	-36	71	247	-404
Change in net unrealized gain on Securities available for sale:	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized (loss) gain	9	-28	-97	153
Reclassification of impairment charges included in net impairment losses on securities	-1	'	-1	-2
Other reclassifications included in other revenue	5	'	5	1
Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale	13	-28	-93	152
Other comprehensive (loss) income, tax effect	13	-28	-93	152
Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale:	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized (loss) gain	-16	44	163	-255
Reclassification of impairment charges included in net impairment losses on securities	'	1	'	6
Other reclassifications included in other revenue	-7	-2	-9	-4
Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale	-23	43	154	-253
Other	'	'	'	1
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	($23)	$43	$154	($252)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	$9	$298
Other net changes	-23	43	154	-252
Ending Balance	163	46	163	46
Net Unrealized Gain On Securities Available For Sale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	9	299
Other net changes	'	'	154	-253
Ending Balance	163	46	163	46
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	'	-1
Other net changes	'	'	'	$1

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_EPS_

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS under Basic and Diluted Computations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net income	$321		$290		$971		$752
Preferred stock dividends	-9		-8		-39		-39
Net income available to common stockholders	$312		$282		$932		$713
Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic	1,304		1,287		1,302		1,282
Common stock equivalent shares related to stock incentive plans	12		9		11		6
Weighted-average common shares outstanding — diluted	1,316	[1]	1,296	[1]	1,313	[1]	1,288	[1]
Basic EPS	$0.24		$0.22		$0.71		$0.55
Diluted EPS	$0.24		$0.22		$0.70		$0.55
Antidilutive stock options and restricted stock awards excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS	12		19		18		31
[1]	Antidilutive stock options and restricted stock awards excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS totaled 12 million and 19 million shares for the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 18 million and 31 million shares for the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Regulatory_Requirements_Narrat

Regulatory Requirements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements for Broker Dealers [Line Items]	'
Percentage of aggregate debit balances required as minimum net capital	2.00%
Net capital under the alternative method permitted by the Uniform Net Capital Rule	'This method requires the maintenance of minimum net capital, as defined, of the greater of 2% of aggregate debit balances arising from client transactions or a minimum dollar requirement ($250,000), which is based on the type of business conducted by the broker-dealer. Under the alternative method, a broker-dealer may not repay subordinated borrowings, pay cash dividends, or make any unsecured advances or loans to its parent company or employees if such payment would result in a net capital amount of less than 5% of aggregate debit balances or less than 120% of its minimum dollar requirement.
Percentage of net capital to aggregate debit balances required for a broker-dealer to repay subordinated borrowings, pay cash dividends, or make any unsecured advances or loans to its parent company or employees	5.00%
Percentage of net capital to the Company's minimum dollar requirement required for a broker-dealer to repay subordinated borrowings, pay cash dividends, or make any unsecured advances or loans to its parent company or employees	120.00%
Description of Net Capital Requirements under Commodity Exchange Act	'optionsXpress, Inc. is also subject to Commodity Futures Trading Commission Regulation 1.17 (Reg. 1.17) under the Commodity Exchange Act, which also requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. optionsXpress, Inc., as a futures commission merchant, is required to maintain minimum net capital equal to the greater of its net capital requirement under Reg. 1.17 ($1 million), or the sum of 8% of the total risk margin requirements for all positions carried in client accounts and 8% of the total risk margin requirements for all positions carried in non-client accounts (as defined in Reg. 1.17).
Net capital required for optionsXpress, Inc. under Reg 1.17 of the Commodity Exchange Act	$1,000,000
Minimum percentage of the total risk margin requirements for all positions carried in customer accounts to be added to the minimum percentage of the total risk margin requirements for all positions carried in non-customer accounts for optionsXpress, Inc. minimum net capital calculation	8.00%
Minimum percentage of the total risk margin requirements for all positions carried in non-customer accounts to be added to the minimum percentage of the total risk margin requirements for all positions carried in customer accounts for optionsXpress, Inc. minimum net capital calculation	8.00%
Schwab [Member]	'
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements for Broker Dealers [Line Items]	'
Minimum capital requirement	$250,000

Regulatory_Requirements_Regula

Regulatory Requirements (Regulatory Capital and Ratios) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital	'
Actual Amount	$7,450
Minimum Capital Requirement Amount	1,374
Minimum to be Well Capitalized Amount	2,061
Actual Ratio	21.70%
Minimum Capital Requirement Ratio	4.00%
Minimum to be Well Capitalized Ratio	6.00%
Total Risk-Based Capital	'
Actual Amount	7,491
Minimum Capital Requirement Amount	2,749
Minimum to be Well Capitalized Amount	3,436
Actual Ratio	21.80%
Minimum Capital Requirement Ratio	8.00%
Minimum to be Well Capitalized Ratio	10.00%
Tier 1 Leverage	'
Actual Amount	7,450
Minimum Capital Requirement Amount	4,212
Minimum to be Well Capitalized Amount	5,265
Actual Ratio	7.10%
Minimum Capital Requirement Ratio	4.00%
Minimum to be Well Capitalized Ratio	5.00%
Tangible Equity	'
Actual Amount	7,450
Minimum Capital Requirement Amount	$2,106
Actual Ratio	7.10%
Minimum Capital Requirement Ratio	2.00%

Regulatory_Requirements_Net_Ca

Regulatory Requirements (Net Capital and Net Capital Requirements for Schwab and optionsXpress, Inc) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Schwab [Member]	'
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements for Broker Dealers [Line Items]	'
Net Capital	$1,589,000,000
% of Aggregate Debit Balances	10.00%
Minimum Net Capital Required	250,000
2% of Aggregate Debit Balances	324,000,000
Net Capital in Excess of Required Net Capital	1,265,000,000
Net Capital in Excess of 5% of Aggregate Debit Balances	778,000,000
OptionsXpress, Inc. [Member]	'
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements for Broker Dealers [Line Items]	'
Net Capital	121,000,000
% of Aggregate Debit Balances	33.00%
Minimum Net Capital Required	1,000,000
2% of Aggregate Debit Balances	7,000,000
Net Capital in Excess of Required Net Capital	114,000,000
Net Capital in Excess of 5% of Aggregate Debit Balances	$103,000,000

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	segment
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	2

Segment_Information_Financial_

Segment Information (Financial Information for Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Net Revenues	'		'		'		'
Asset management and administration fees	$649		$583		$1,892		$1,707
Net interest revenue	573		506		1,688		1,448
Trading revenue	209		224		668		682
Other	120		57		253		172
Provision for loan losses	1		4		7		-1
Net impairment losses on securities	-1	[1]	-1	[1]	-1	[1]	-8	[1]
Total net revenues	1,551		1,373		4,507		4,000
Expenses Excluding Interest	1,033		909		2,946		2,793
Income before taxes on income	518		464		1,561		1,207
Taxes on income	197		174		590		455
Net Income	321		290		971		752
Investor Services [Member]	'		'		'		'
Net Revenues	'		'		'		'
Asset management and administration fees	455		410		1,324		1,199
Net interest revenue	513		450		1,512		1,281
Trading revenue	144		153		460		462
Other	57		44		155		129
Provision for loan losses	1		3		6		-1
Net impairment losses on securities	-1		'		-1		-7
Total net revenues	1,169		1,060		3,456		3,063
Expenses Excluding Interest	741		705		2,213		2,178
Income before taxes on income	428		355		1,243		885
Advisor Services [Member]	'		'		'		'
Net Revenues	'		'		'		'
Asset management and administration fees	194		173		568		508
Net interest revenue	60		56		176		167
Trading revenue	65		71		208		220
Other	18		13		53		43
Provision for loan losses	'		1		1		'
Net impairment losses on securities	'		-1		'		-1
Total net revenues	337		313		1,006		937
Expenses Excluding Interest	224		204		665		615
Income before taxes on income	113		109		341		322
Unallocated [Member]	'		'		'		'
Net Revenues	'		'		'		'
Other	45		'		45		'
Total net revenues	45		'		45		'
Expenses Excluding Interest	68		'		68		'
Income before taxes on income	($23)		'		($23)		'
[1]	Net impairment losses on securities include total other-than-temporary impairment losses of $1 million and $0 recognized in other comprehensive income, net of $0 and $(1) million reclassified from other comprehensive income, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Net impairment losses on securities include total other-than-temporary impairment losses of $1 million and $2 million recognized in other comprehensive income, net of $0 and $(6) million reclassified from other comprehensive income, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.