| Document and Entity Information | Apr. 30, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | SCHWAB CHARLES CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000316709 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 30, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-9700 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-3025021 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 211 Main Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Francisco |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94105 |
| City Area Code | (415) |
| Local Phone Number | 667-7000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock - $.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | SCHW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series C Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th ownership interest in a share of 6.00% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C |
| Trading Symbol | SCHW PrC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series D Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th ownership interest in a share of 5.95% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D |
| Trading Symbol | SCHW PrD |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
