For an unclassified balance sheet, this item represents investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26610-111562

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-1/124-1

-Paragraph 15E

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 22

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-1/124-1

-Paragraph 15D

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 13

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-1/124-1

-Paragraph 15C

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 14

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 16

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379932&loc=d3e22054-111558

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount equal to the present value (the principal) at the beginning of the lease term of minimum lease payments during the lease term (excluding that portion of the payments representing executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes to be paid by the lessor, together with any profit thereon) net of payments or other amounts applied to the principal through the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 7

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6455398&loc=d3e45280-112737

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of the transfers of assets or liabilities measured on a recurring basis out of Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy into Level 1.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (bb)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueLevel2ToLevel1TransfersAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reflects the aggregate gross carrying amount of all categories of loans and leases held in portfolio, after deducting deferred income, but before deducting the allowance for losses on loans and leases.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6965416&loc=d3e5074-111524

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6375948&loc=d3e4428-111522

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 01-6

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph e

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)

-Number AAG-DEP

-Chapter 8

-Paragraph 116

-IssueDate 2006-05-01

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher OTS

-Name Federal Regulation (FR)

-Number Title 12

-Chapter V

-Section 563c.102

-Paragraph 8

-Subparagraph e

-Subsection I

-LegacyDoc This is a non-GAAP reference that was included in the 2009 taxonomy. It will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents Trading Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for which an entity has elected the fair value option. Trading generally reflects active and frequent buying and selling, and trading securities are generally used with the objective of generating profits on short-term differences in price, but this category of investments may also include items which are not intended to be sold in the near term or for which the fair value option has been elected.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379932&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Trading Securities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6526789

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the total fair market value of investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share (including by unit, membership interest, or other equity (ownership interest) unit measure) (alternative investments), with redemption restrictions.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wfc_AlternativeInvestmentsAssetsWithRedemptionRestrictionsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	wfc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Significant transfers of net assets into Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to consolidation of variable interest entities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wfc_FairValueDisclosureSignificantTransfersIntoLevel3
Namespace Prefix:	wfc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Significant transfers of net assets out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to deconsolidation of variable interest entities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wfc_FairValueDisclosuresSignificantTransfersOutOfLevel3
Namespace Prefix:	wfc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Fair Value Disclosure Transfers From Level 2 To Level 3.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wfc_FairValueDisclosureTransfersFromLevel2ToLevel3
Namespace Prefix:	wfc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Fair Value Disclosure Transfers From Level 3 To Level 2.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wfc_FairValueDisclosureTransfersFromLevel3ToLevel2
Namespace Prefix:	wfc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	wfc_FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextualAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	wfc_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Liquidation period for investment fund

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wfc_InvestmentFundLiquidationPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	wfc_
Data Type:	us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represent the aggregate carrying amount of deferred fees plus the related reserve for loan commitments and standby, commercial and similar lines of credit.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wfc_LoanCommitmentsAndStandbyCommercialAndSimilarLettersOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	wfc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities Textuals (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified						12 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2011 Private Equity Funds [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Venture Capital Funds [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member]	Dec. 31, 2007 Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Collateralized loan obligations [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Collateralized loan obligations [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Trading assets (excluding derivatives) [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Loans [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Mortgage servicing rights [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Long-term debt [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Available for sale Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Available for sale Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Available for sale Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Available for sale Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Available for sale Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Other Trading Assets [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Carrying amount [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Carrying amount [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Carrying amount [Member] Offshore Funds [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Carrying amount [Member] Offshore Funds [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Estimated fair value [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Estimated fair value [Member]
Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Textual) [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures, Significant Transfers Out Of Level 3															$ 276		$ 118			$ 1,900
Fair Value Disclosure, Significant Transfers Into Level 3																366		359		829
Fair Value Disclosure, Transfers from Level 2 to Level 3																			502			1,700
Fair Value Disclosure Transfers From Level 3 To Level 2																				4,900	801		4,000
Fair Value Disclosure, Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1																								709
Redemption restriction for investment																											200	74
Loans	769,631	757,267	782,770	864,830	382,195			13,117	13,094	14,210	15,829	6,772													731,308	721,016			723,867	710,147
Capital Lease Obligation	116	26
Loan Commitments And Standby, Commercial And Similar Letters of Credit																									495	673			495	673
Total trading assets (excluding derivatives)													583	671
Securities available for sale	$ 222,613	$ 172,654											$ 8,100	$ 4,200
Liquidation period						9y	6y