| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 08, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | BB&T CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000092230 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 8, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | NC |
| Entity File Number | 1-10853 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 56-0939887 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 200 West Second Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Winston-Salem |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 27101 |
| City Area Code | (336) |
| Local Phone Number | 733-2000 |
| 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, $5 par value |
| Trading Symbol | BBT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series F Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depositary Shares each representing 1/1000th interest in a share of Series F Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | BBT PrF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series G Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depositary Shares each representing 1/1000th interest in a share of Series G Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | BBT PrG |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series H Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depositary Shares each representing 1/1000th interest in a share of Series H Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | BBT PrH |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
