Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts Payable Fair Value Disclosure Payables to brokerage clients Accounts Receivable Fair Value Disclosure Receivables from brokerage clients - net Accretion Amortization Of Discounts And Premiums Investments Premium amortization, net, on securities available for sale and securities held to maturity Accrued Liabilities Current And Noncurrent Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Ending Balance Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Additional Paid In Capital Additional paid-in capital Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used for) provided by operating activities: Advisory Services [Member] Advisory Services [Member] Advisory Services Delinquency analysis by loan class in tabular format. Aging Analysis By Loan Class Table [Text Block] Delinquency Analysis by Loan Class Allowance For Credit Losses On Financing Receivables Table [Text Block] Changes in Allowance for Loan Losses Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Provision For Loss Gross Provision for loan losses Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Write Offs Charge-offs Alt-A Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Alt A Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Alt-A residential mortgage backed securities Alternative Excess Net Capital Net Capital in Excess of Required Net Capital Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Antidilutive stock options and restricted stock awards excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS Asset Backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed securities Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets Fair Value Disclosure Total Available For Sale Securities Securities available for sale Securities available for sale Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost Securities available for sale Amortized Cost Securities available for sale Amortized Cost Availableforsale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 2 Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses Availableforsale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 2 Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value Total Securities available for sale with unrealized losses Total Fair Value Availableforsale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 2 Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value Securities available for sale Less than 12 months Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value Securities available for sale 12 months or longer Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost Securities available for sale After 5 years through 10 years amortized cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Fair Value Securities available for sale fair value After 5 years through 10 years Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Amortized Cost Securities available for sale After 1 year through 5 years amortized cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Fair Value Securities available for sale fair value After 1 year through 5 years Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Amortized Cost Securities available for sale After 10 years amortized cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Fair Value Securities available for sale fair value After 10 years Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Amortized Cost Securities available for sale Within 1 year amortized cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Fair Value Securities available for sale fair value Within 1 year Availableforsale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Gains Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses 1 Securities available for sale Gross Unrealized Losses Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Positions Number of available for sale securities in unrealized loss positions Available for Sale Securities Net Unrealized Gain [Member] Available For Sale Securities Net Unrealized Gain [Member] Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale Banking And Thrift [Abstract] Banking and Thrift [Abstract] Brokers And Dealers [Abstract] Brokers and Dealers [Abstract] Capital Actual Amount Capital [Abstract] Total Risk-Based Capital Capital Required For Capital Adequacy Minimum Capital Requirement Amount Capital Required For Capital Adequacy To Risk Weighted Assets Minimum Capital Requirement Ratio Capital Required To Be Well Capitalized Minimum to be Well Capitalized Amount Capital Required To Be Well Capitalized To Risk Weighted Assets Minimum to be Well Capitalized Ratio Capital To Risk Weighted Assets Actual Ratio Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying Amount Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure Cash and cash equivalents Cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash And Securities Segregated Under Federal And Other Regulations Cash and investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes (including resale agreements of $18,387 at March 31, 2013 and $19,325 at December 31, 2012) Cash And Securities Segregated Under Federal And Other Regulations, Fair Value Disclosure Cash And Securities Segregated Under Federal And Other Regulations Fair Value Disclosure Cash and investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes Cash Paid During Period For [Abstract] Cash Paid During Period For [Abstract] Cash paid during the period for: Certificates Of Deposit [Member] Certificates of deposit Collateral Requirements [Member] Collateral Requirements [Member] Collateral Requirements Minimum fair value percentage of collateral to ensure adequate collateralization of the principal amount of personal loans secured by securities. Collateral Requirements Minimum Percentage Collateral To Fair Value Of Securities Loaned Under Security Lending Transactions Minimum fair value percentage of collateral to principal amount of loan Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial paper Commercial Paper Not Included With Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Commercial paper Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments to extend credit related to unused home equity lines of credit, personal loans secured by securities, and other lines of credit. Commitments To Extend Credit Commitments to extend credit related to unused home equity lines of credit, personal loans secured by securities, and other lines of credit Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Value Common stock - 3 billion shares authorized; $.01 par value per share; 1,487,543,446 shares issued Communication Communications Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements for Broker Dealers [Line Items] Compliance With Regulatory Capital Requirements For Broker Dealers [Line Items] Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements for Broker Dealers [Line Items] Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements for Broker Dealers [Table] Compliance With Regulatory Capital Requirements For Broker Dealers [Table] Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements for Broker Dealers [Table] Compliance With Regulatory Capital Requirements Under Banking Regulations [Line Items] Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items] Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Computation Of Net Capital Under Securities And Exchange Commission Regulation [Text Block] Net Capital and Net Capital Requirements for Schwab and optionsXpress, Inc. Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] Personal loans secured by securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate debt securities Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Deposits Deposits from banking clients Deposits Fair Value Disclosure Deposits from banking clients Depreciation And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Description of Net Capital Requirements under Alternative Method Permitted by Uniform Net Capital Rule Description Of Net Capital Requirements Under Alternative Method Permitted By Uniform Net Capital Rule Net capital under the alternative method permitted by the Uniform Net Capital Rule Description Of Net Capital Requirements Under Commodity Exchange Act Description of Net Capital Requirements under Commodity Exchange Act Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Basic Basic EPS Earnings Per Common Share - Basic Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted EPS Earnings Per Common Share - Diluted Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Table] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Table] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Table] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Common Share Eligible Item Or Group For Fair Value Option [Axis] Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Equity And Bond Mutual Funds [Member] Equity And Bond Mutual Funds [Member] Equity and bond mutual funds Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Equity US Government And Corporate Debt And Other Securities [Member] Equity United States Government And Corporate Debt And Other Securities [Member] Equity, U.S. Government and corporate debt, and other securities Estimated Current Loan To Value Ratio Greater Than Ninety Percent Through One Hundred Percent [Member] Estimated Current Loan To Value Ratio Greater Than Ninety Percent Through One Hundred Percent [Member] Estimated Current LTV Greater Than 90% through 100% Estimated Current Loan To Value Ratio Greater Than One Hundred Percent [Member] Estimated Current Loan To Value Ratio Greater Than One Hundred Percent [Member] Estimated Current LTV Greater Than 100% Estimated Current Loan To Value Ratio Greater Than Seventy Percent Through Ninety Percent [Member] Estimated Current Loan To Value Ratio Greater Than Seventy Percent Through Ninety Percent [Member] Estimated Current LTV Greater Than 70% through 90% Estimated Current Loan to Value Ratio Seventy Percent and Below [Member] Estimated Current Loan To Value Ratio Seventy Percent And Below [Member] Estimated Current LTV 70 Percent And Below Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value By Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value Off Balance Sheet Risks Disclosure Information [Line Items] Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items] Fair Value Option Eligible Item Or Group [Domain] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Fees And Commissions Asset management and administration fees Financial Instruments Financial Assets Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Assets: Financial Instruments Financial Liabilities Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Liabilities: Financial Instruments Owned At Fair Value Other securities owned Other securities owned - at fair value Financing Receivable Allowance [Domain] Financing Receivable Allowance [Domain] Financing Receivable Allowance For Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators Table [Text Block] Credit Quality of Residential Real Estate Mortgages and HELOCs by Reviewing FICO Scores at Origination, Current FICO Scores, Loan-To-Value Ratio Financing Receivable, Credit Quality, Percentage of Loans Ninety Days or More Past Due and Less than Ninety Days Past Due but On Non Accrual Status Financing Receivable Credit Quality Percentage Of Loans Ninety Days Or More Past Due And Less Than Ninety Days Past Due But On Non Accrual Status Percent of Loans that are 90+ Days Past Due and Less than 90 Days Past Due but on Nonaccrual Status Financing Receivable, Credit Quality, Utilization Rate Financing Receivable Credit Quality Utilization Rate Utilization Rate Financing Receivable, Credit Quality, Weighted Average Credit Ratings Updated Financing Receivable Credit Quality Weighted Average Credit Ratings Updated Weighted Average Updated FICO Financing Receivable Information By Portfolio Segment [Axis] Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Recorded Investment 30 To 59 Days Past Due 30-59 days past due Financing Receivable Recorded Investment 60 To 89 Days Past Due 60-89 days past due Financing Receivable Recorded Investment 90 Days Past Due And Still Accruing Loans accruing interest contractually 90 days or more past due Financing Receivable Recorded Investment By Class Of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Class Of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Current Current Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Greater than 90 days Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due Total past due Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] First Mortgage [Member] First Mortgage Goodwill Goodwill Held To Maturity Securities Securities held to maturity Securities held to maturity Securities held to maturity (fair value - $23,316 at March 31, 2013 and $18,732 at December 31, 2012) Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses Securities held to maturity 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses Total Securities held to maturity with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value Total Securities held to maturity with unrealized losses Total Fair Value Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses Securities held to maturity Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value Securities held to maturity Less than 12 months Fair Value Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value Securities held to maturity 12 months or longer Fair Value Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Fair Value Securities held to maturity After 5 years through 10 years Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Net Carrying Amount Securities held to maturity After 5 years through 10 years amortized cost Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Fair Value Securities held to maturity After 1 year through 5 years Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Net Carrying Amount Securities held to maturity After 1 year through 5 years amortized cost Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Fair Value Securities held to maturity After 10 years Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Net Carrying Amount Securities held to maturity After 10 years amortized cost Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Fair Value Securities held to maturity Within 1 year Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Net Carrying Amount Securities held to maturity Within 1 year amortized cost Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value Securities held to maturity, fair value Securities held to maturity, fair value Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value Disclosure Securities held to maturity Held To Maturity Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Positions Number of held to maturity securities in unrealized loss positions Heldtomaturity Securities Unrecognized Holding Gain Securities held to maturity Gross Unrealized Gains Held To Maturity Securities Unrecognized Holding Loss Securities held to maturity Gross Unrealized Losses Home Equity Lines Of Credit [Member] Home Equity Lines Of Credit [Member] Home equity lines of credit Impairment Of Investments Total other-than-temporary impairment losses Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Income before taxes on income Income before taxes on income Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Taxes Paid Income taxes Income Tax Expense Benefit Taxes on income Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase Decrease In Brokerage Receivables Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations The net change during the reporting period in the amount of cash subject to withdrawal restrictions, restricted deposits held as compensating balances, and cash and securities segregated in compliance with regulations (such as cash deposited in a special reserve account for the exclusive benefit of customers pursuant). Increase Decrease In Cash And Securities Segregated Under Federal And Other Regulations Cash and investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes Increase Decrease In Deposits Net change in deposits from banking clients Increase Decrease In Financial Instruments Used In Operating Activities Other securities owned Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Net change in: Increase Decrease In Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase Decrease In Payables To Broker Dealers Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations Increase Decrease In Payables To Customers Payables to brokerage clients The net change during the reporting period in receivables from brokerage clients. Brokerage client balances include margin loans to clients stated net of allowance for doubtful accounts. Increase Decrease In Receivables From Brokerage Clients Receivables from brokerage clients Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Common stock equivalent shares related to stock incentive plans Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Intangible assets - net Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Income Expense Net Net interest revenue Net interest revenue Interest Income Operating Interest revenue Interest Paid Interest Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date Table [Text Block] Maturities of Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments Fair Value Disclosure Investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Investor Services [Member] Investor Services [Member] Investor Services Labor And Related Expense Compensation and benefits Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Total Loans And Leases Receivable Allowance Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Allowance for loan losses Loans And Leases Receivable Consumer Real Estate Loans to banking clients Total loans to banking clients Loans And Leases Receivable Impaired Nonperforming Nonaccrual Of Interest Total nonaccrual loans Loans And Leases Receivable Net Reported Amount Loans to banking clients - net Total loans to banking clients - net Total nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned Loans And Leases Receivable Net Reported Amount Nonperforming Assets Nonperforming assets, including nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned Loans Notes Trade And Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Loans to Banking Clients and Related Allowance for Loan Losses Loans Receivable Fair Value Disclosure Loans to banking clients - net Loan To Deposit Ratio Loan To Deposit Ratio Loan-to-deposit ratio Long Term Debt Long-term debt Long Term Debt Fair Value Long-term debt Loss Contingencies By Nature Of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Margin requirements [Member] Margin Requirements [Member] Margin Requirements Marketing And Advertising Expense Advertising and market development Minimum Fair Issac & Company credit score required of a borrower at the time a loan is originated to be considered "Prime". Pertains to the non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities collateralized by loans that are considered to be "Prime". Minimum Credit Score Prime Loans Fair Isaac & Company minimum credit score for Prime loan origination Minimum Net Capital Required 1 Minimum capital requirement Minimum Net Capital Required Minimum number of domestic branch offices. Minimum Number Of Domestic Branch Offices Minimum number of domestic branch offices Alleged minimum percentage of fund assets invested in CMOs and mortgage-backed securities without obtaining shareholder vote Minimum Percentage Of Fund Assets Alleged minimum percentage of fund assets invested in CMOs and mortgage-backed securities without obtaining shareholder vote 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. Minimum Percentage Of Total Risk Margin Requirements For All Positions Carried In Customer Accounts 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 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. Minimum Percentage Of Total Risk Margin Requirements For All Positions Carried In Non Customer Accounts 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 Money Market Funds [Member] Money market funds Mortgage Backed Securities Issued By Private Enterprises [Member] Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities Mortgage Backed Securities Issued By U S Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member] U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Description Type Of Property [Axis] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Name Property Type [Domain] Real Estate, Property Type [Domain] Net Capital Net Capital Net Capital In Excess Of Five Percent Of Debit Items Net Capital in Excess of 5% of Aggregate Debit Balances Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Net cash used for investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Income Loss Net income Net Income Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic Net income available to common stockholders Net Income Available to Common Stockholders Net other-than-temporary-impairments (credit related losses) recognized in earnings. Net Other Than Temporary Impairments Net impairment losses on securities Net impairment losses on securities Noninterest Expense Expenses Excluding Interest Total expenses excluding interest Noninterest Expense [Abstract] Expenses Excluding Interest Number Of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Number Of States In Which Entity Operates States with domestic branch offices Occupancy Net Occupancy and equipment OptionsXpress Inc [Member] Options Xpress Inc [Member] OptionsXpress, Inc. Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Table] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Table] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Table] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Introduction and Basis of Presentation Origination FICO Score Below 620 [Member] Origination Fico Score Below Six Hundred Twenty [Member] Origination FICO Score Below 620 Origination FICO Score 740 And Above [Member] Origination Fico Score Seven Hundred Forty And Above [Member] Origination FICO Score 740 And Above Origination FICO Score 680 Through 739 [Member] Origination Fico Score Six Hundred Eighty Through Seven Hundred Thirty Nine [Member] Origination FICO Score 680 Through 739 Origination FICO Score 620 Through 679 [Member] Origination Fico Score Six Hundred Twenty Through Six Hundred Seventy Nine [Member] Origination FICO Score 620 Through 679 Origination in 2011 [Member] Origination In Twenty Eleven [Member] Year of origination 2011 Origination in 2010 [Member] Origination In Twenty Ten [Member] Year of origination 2010 Origination in Twenty Thirteen [Member] Origination In Twenty Thirteen [Member] Year of origination 2013 Origination in Twenty Twelve [Member] Origination In Twenty Twelve [Member] Year of origination 2012 Origination in 2009 [Member] Origination In Twenty Zero Nine [Member] Year of origination 2009 Origination Loan to Value Ratio Greater Than Ninety Percent Through One Hundred Percent [Member] Origination Loan To Value Ratio Greater Than Ninety Percent Through One Hundred Percent [Member] Origination Loan to Value Ratio Greater Than 90 Percent Through 100 Percent Origination Loan To Value Ratio Greater Than Seventy Percent Through Ninety Percent [Member] Origination Loan To Value Ratio Greater Than Seventy Percent Through Ninety Percent [Member] Origination Loan to Value Ratio Greater Than 70 Percent Through 90 Percent Origination Loan To Value Ratio 70 Percent And Below [Member] Origination Loan To Value Ratio Seventy Percent And Below [Member] Origination Loan To Value Ratio 70 Percent And Below Origination Pre Twenty Zero Nine [Member] Origination Pre Twenty Zero Nine [Member] Year of origination Pre 2009 Other Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Other Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Other Other Assets Other assets Other Assets Fair Value Disclosure Other assets Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Before Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Change in net unrealized gain on Securities available for sale: Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale: Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities Tax [Abstract] Change in net unrealized gain on Securities available for sale: Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Before Tax Net unrealized (loss) gain Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Net unrealized (loss) gain Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Tax Net unrealized (loss) gain Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Tax Other comprehensive income, before tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax Other comprehensive income, before tax: Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment For Writedown Of Securities Included In Net Income Before Tax Reclassification of impairment charges included in net impairment losses on securities Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment For Writedown Of Securities Included In Net Income Net Of Tax Reclassification of impairment charges included in net impairment losses on securities Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment For Write Down Of Securities Included In Net Income Tax Reclassification of impairment charges included in net impairment losses on securities Other Comprehensive Income Loss Tax Income tax effect Other comprehensive income, tax effect Other Comprehensive Income Loss Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss) tax Before tax change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale. Other Comprehensive Income Net Unrealized Gains And Losses On Securities Available For Sale Period Increase Decrease Before Tax Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale Net of tax change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale. Other Comprehensive Income Net Unrealized Gains And Losses On Securities Available For Sale Period Increase Decrease Net Of Tax Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale Tax effect of change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale Other Comprehensive Income Net Unrealized Gains And Losses On Securities Available For Sale Period Increase Decrease Tax Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Before Tax Other Comprehensive Income Other Before Tax Other Other Comprehensive Income Other Net Of Tax Other Other net changes Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Tax. Other Comprehensive Income Other Tax Other Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Before Tax Net unrealized (loss) gain Other Debt Securities [Member] Other securities Other Expenses Other Other Income Other Other Noncash Income Expense Other Other Receivables [Member] Other Receivables [Member] Other Other securities [Member] Other Securities [Member] Other securities Other Than Temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings Additions No Previous Impairment Credit losses recognized into current period earnings on debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized Other Than Temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings [Line Items] Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items] Other Than Temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings Table [Text Block] Roll Forward Amount of Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings for OTTI Securities Held by Company for Portion of Impairment Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion In Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Availableforsale Securities Impairment losses reclassified from other comprehensive income Other Than Temporary Impairments Credit Losses on Previously Impaired Securities Other Than Temporary Impairments Credit Losses On Previously Impaired Securities Credit losses recognized into current period earnings on debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized Payables To Broker Dealers And Clearing Organizations Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations Payables To Broker Dealers And Clearing Organizations, Fair Value Disclosure Payables To Broker Dealers And Clearing Organizations Fair Value Disclosure Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations Payables To Customers Payables to brokerage clients Payments For Origination And Purchases Of Loans Held For Sale Originations of loans held for sale Payments For Proceeds From Loans And Leases Net (increase) decrease in loans to banking clients Payments For Proceeds From Other Investing Activities Other investing activities Payments Of Dividends Dividends paid Payments To Acquire Available For Sale Securities Purchases of securities available for sale Payments To Acquire Held To Maturity Securities Purchases of securities held to maturity Payments To Acquire Loans And Leases Held For Investment Purchased First Mortgages Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Purchase of equipment, office facilities, and property Percentage of net capital to aggregate debit balances required for a broker-dealer to repay subordinated borrowings, pay cash dividends, or makes any unsecured advances or loans to its parent company or employees. Percentage Net Capital To Aggregate Debit Balances Required For Broker Dealer For Certain Payments 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 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. Percentage Net Capital To Minimum Dollar Requirement Required For Broker Dealer For Certain Payments 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 Net capital as a percentage of aggregate debit balances. Percentage Of Aggregate Debit Balances % of Aggregate Debit Balances Percentage of aggregate debit balances required as minimum net capital Percentage Of Aggregate Debit Balances Required As Minimum Net Capital Percentage of aggregate debit balances required as minimum net capital Personal Loan Secured By Security [Member] Personal Loan Secured By Security [Member] Personal loans secured by securities Preferred Stock Dividends Income Statement Impact Preferred stock dividends Preferred Stock Liquidation Preference Value Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock Value Preferred stock - $.01 par value per share; aggregated liquidation preference of $885 at both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 Proceeds From Issuance Of Preferred Stock And Preference Stock Net proceeds from preferred stock offerings Proceeds From Maturities Prepayments And Calls Of Available For Sale Securities Principal payments on securities available for sale Proceeds From Maturities Prepayments And Calls Of Held To Maturity Securities Principal payments on securities held to maturity Proceeds From Payments For Other Financing Activities Other financing activities Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities Proceeds from sale of available for sale securities Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale Proceeds From Sale Of Loans Held For Sale Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from stock options exercised and other Professional Fees Professional services Property Plant And Equipment Net Equipment, office facilities, and property - net Provision For Loan Lease And Other Losses Provision for loan losses Provision for loan losses Receivables [Abstract] Receivables [Abstract] Receivables From Brokers Dealers And Clearing Organizations Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations Receivables From Brokers Dealers And Clearing Organizations, Fair Value Disclosure Receivables From Brokers Dealers And Clearing Organizations Fair Value Disclosure Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations Receivables From Customers Receivables from brokerage clients - net The entire disclosure for federal savings banks and broker-dealers, for regulatory capital requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System (FRB), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Regulatory Capital Requirements Under Banking And Broker Dealer Regulations [Text Block] Regulatory Requirements Repayments Of Commercial Paper Repayment of commercial paper Repayments Of Long Term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Required Net Capital Under Commodity Exchange Act 1 Net capital required for optionsXpress, Inc. under Reg 1.17 of the Commodity Exchange Act Residential Real Estate First Mortgages Financing Receivable [Member] Residential Real Estate First Mortgages Financing Receivable [Member] Residential real estate mortgages, first mortgages Residential Real Estate Mortgage Loans [Member] Residential Real Estate Mortgage Loans [Member] Residential real estate mortgages Residential Real Estate Purchased First Mortgages Financing Receivable [Member] Residential Real Estate Purchased First Mortgages Financing Receivable [Member] Residential real estate mortgages, purchased first mortgages Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Retained earnings Revenues Total net revenues Total net revenues Revenues [Abstract] Net Revenues Net Revenues: Schedule Of Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Table [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule Of Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share Table [Text Block] EPS under Basic and Diluted Computations Schedule Of Compliance With Regulatory Capital Requirements Under Banking Regulations [Table] Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Table] Schedule Of Compliance With Regulatory Capital Requirements Under Banking Regulations [Text Block] Regulatory Capital and Ratios Schedule Of Comprehensive Income Loss Table [Text Block] Components of Comprehensive Income Tabular disclosure of assets and liabilities by class that are not recorded at fair value. The disclosures that may be required or desired include: (a) the carrying value and (b) the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the carrying value falls, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Where the quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, the Level 1 input is the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset. Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities For Financial Instruments Not Recorded At Fair Value Table [Text Block] Fair Value Hierarchy for Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table [Text Block] Fair Value Hierarchy for Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Schedule Of Fair Value Off Balance Sheet Risks [Table] Schedule of Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks [Table] Schedule Of Financing Receivable Allowance For Credit Losses [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Schedule Of Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule Of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Disclosure of the composition of the loan portfolio by loan segment Schedule Of Loans To Banking Clients [Text Block] Composition of Loans to Banking Clients by Loan Segment Schedule Of Other Than Temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings [Table] Schedule of Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Text Block] Financial Information for Reportable Segments Schedule Of Unrealized Loss On Investments Table [Text Block] Securities with Unrealized Losses, Aggregated by Category and Period of Continuous Unrealized Loss Schwab Funds Money Market Funds [Member] Schwab Funds Money Market Funds [Member] Schwab Funds money market funds Schwab [Member] Schwab [Member] Schwab This item represents the entire disclosure related to Available-for-sale and Held to Maturity Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities not classified as trading. Held to Maturity Securities are investments in certain debt and equity securities for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. Securities Available For Sale And Held To Maturity [Text Block] Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity Securities Borrowed Fair value of borrowed securities from other broker-dealers to fulfill short sales by clients Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Aggregate Loss Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Aggregate Loss Securities Less than 12 months Unrealized Losses This item represents the fair value of securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months. Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value Securities Less than 12 months Fair Value Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Aggregate Loss Securities 12 months or longer Unrealized Losses This item represents the fair value of securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer. Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value Securities 12 months or longer Fair Value Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction Fair Value [Member] Securities Financing Transaction, Fair Value Securities Financing Transaction Type [Domain] Securities Financing Transaction, Type [Domain] Securities Loaned Fair value of client securities pledged in securities lending transactions to other broker-dealers Securities Purchased Under Agreements To Resell Cash and investments segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes, resale agreements This item represents the total fair value of securities in an unrealized loss position. Securities With Unrealized Losses Total Fair Value Total securities with unrealized losses Total Fair Value Securities with Unrealized Losses Total Unrealized Loss Securities With Unrealized Losses Total Unrealized Loss Total securities with unrealized losses Total Unrealized Losses Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Table] Share Based Compensation Stock-based compensation State and Municipal Debt Obligations [Member] State And Municipal Debt Obligations [Member] State and municipal debt obligations Statement Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stockholders Equity Total stockholders' equity Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Tangible Capital Actual Amount Tangible Capital [Abstract] Tangible Equity Tangible Capital Required For Capital Adequacy Minimum Capital Requirement Amount Tangible Capital Required For Capital Adequacy To Tangible Assets Minimum Capital Requirement Ratio Tangible Capital To Tangible Assets Actual Ratio Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Tier One Leverage Capital Actual Amount Tier One Leverage Capital [Abstract] Tier 1 Leverage Tier One Leverage Capital Required For Capital Adequacy Minimum Capital Requirement Amount Tier One Leverage Capital Required For Capital Adequacy To Average Assets Minimum Capital Requirement Ratio Tier One Leverage Capital Required To Be Well Capitalized Minimum to be Well Capitalized Amount Tier One Leverage Capital Required To Be Well Capitalized To Average Assets Minimum to be Well Capitalized Ratio Tier One Leverage Capital To Average Assets Actual Ratio Tier One Risk Based Capital Actual Amount Tier One Risk Based Capital [Abstract] Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Tier One Risk Based Capital Required For Capital Adequacy Minimum Capital Requirement Amount Tier One Risk Based Capital Required For Capital Adequacy To Risk Weighted Assets Minimum Capital Requirement Ratio Tier One Risk Based Capital Required To Be Well Capitalized Minimum to be Well Capitalized Amount Tier One Risk Based Capital Required To Be Well Capitalized To Risk Weighted Assets Minimum to be Well Capitalized Ratio Tier One Risk Based Capital To Risk Weighted Assets Actual Ratio Total Bond Market Fund Litigation [Member] Total Bond Market Fund Litigation [Member] Total Bond Market Fund Litigation Trading Gains Losses Trading revenue Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Treasury Stock Shares Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock Value Treasury stock, at cost - 207,704,836 shares at March 31, 2013 and 210,014,305 shares at December 31, 2012 Two Percent Of Debit Items 2% of Aggregate Debit Balances Unallocated Amount To Segment [Member] Unallocated Unrealized Gain Loss On Investments Table [Text Block] Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses, and Fair Value of Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity The aggregate face amount of unsecured standby letter of credit agreements. Unsecured Standby Letters Of Credit Aggregate face amount of letter of credit agreements Updated FICO Score Below 620 [Member] Updated Fico Score Below Six Hundred Twenty [Member] Updated FICO Score Below 620 Updated FICO Score 740 And Above [Member] Updated Fico Score Seven Hundred Forty And Above [Member] Updated FICO Score 740 And Above Updated FICO Score 680 Through 739 [Member] Updated Fico Score Six Hundred Eighty Through Seven Hundred Thirty Nine [Member] Updated FICO Score 680 Through 739 Updated FICO Score 620 Through 679 [Member] Updated Fico Score Six Hundred Twenty Through Six Hundred Seventy Nine [Member] Updated FICO Score 620 Through 679 U S Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] U.S. agency notes U S Government Debt Securities [Member] U.S. Government securities Valuation Allowances And Reserves Recoveries Recoveries Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic