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Other Comprehensive Income, Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
Components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects [Abstract]    
Translation adjustments, before tax $ 10 [1] $ 24 [1]
Translation adjustments, tax effect (4) (9)
Translation adjustments, net of tax 6 15
Securities available for sale:    
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, Before tax 1,874 498
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, Tax effect (704) (182)
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, Net of tax 1,170 316
Reclassification of (gains) losses included in net income, Before tax (226) 51
Reclassification of (gains) losses included in net income, Tax effect 80 (19)
Reclassification of (gains) losses included in net income, Net of tax (146) 32
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, Before tax 1,648 549
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, Tax effect (624) (201)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale 1,024 348
Derivatives and hedging activities:    
Net unrealized gains arising during the period, Before tax 42 (4)
Net unrealized gains arising during the period, Tax effect (12) 1
Net unrealized gains arising during the period, Net of tax 30 (3)
Reclassification of net gains on cash flow hedges included in net income, Before tax (107) (156)
Reclassification of net gains on cash flow hedges included in net income, Tax effect 40 60
Reclassification of net gains on cash flow hedges included in net income, Net of tax (67) (96)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, Before tax (65) (160)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, Tax effect 28 61
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities (37) (99)
Defined benefit pension plans:    
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period, Before tax (5) (1)
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period, Tax effect 2 0
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period, Net of tax (3) (1)
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost included in net income, Before tax 36 24
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost included in net income, Tax effect (13) (8)
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost included in net income, Net of tax 23 16
Net gains (losses) arising during the period, Before tax 31 23
Net gains (losses) arising during the period, Tax effect (11) (8)
Cumulative other comprehensive income, Defined benefit pension plans, Net change 20 15
Other comprehensive income, Before tax 1,624 436
Income tax expense related to OCI (611) (157)
Other comprehensive income, Net of tax 1,013 279
Less: Other comprehensive income from noncontrolling interests, net of tax 4 (4)
Wells Fargo other comprehensive income, net of tax 1,009 283
Total Wells Fargo stockholders' equity [Member]
   
Defined benefit pension plans:    
Wells Fargo other comprehensive income, net of tax 1,009 283
Noncontrolling interests [Member]
   
Defined benefit pension plans:    
Less: Other comprehensive income from noncontrolling interests, net of tax $ 4 $ (4)
[1] There was no sale or liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity, and therefore no reclassification adjustment for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.