Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION The financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require management to make estimates that affect reported amounts and disclosure of contingencies in the financial statements. As such, actual results could differ from those estimates. INVESTMENTS The investment in the affiliate partnership preferred securities represents a limited partnership interest and is recorded at cost. Income on the Partnership Preferred Securities is accrued when earned. INCOME TAXES The Trust does not incur any income tax liabilities. Such liabilities are incurred directly by the security holders.
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING IV, L.P.
Summary Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION The financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require management to make estimates that affect reported amounts and disclosure of contingencies in the financial statements. As such, actual results could differ from those estimates. INVESTMENTS The Partnership’s investment in affiliate debentures is recorded at cost. Its investment in U.S. Government and agency securities is recorded at accreted cost and matures within one year. At December 31, 2011, the estimated fair value of the investment in affiliate debentures is approximately $404 million and the fair value of the investment in U.S. Government and agency securities approximates its carrying value. INCOME TAXES The Partnership does not incur any income tax liabilities. Such liabilities are incurred directly by the partners.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

+ References+ Details

MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING IV LP 10-K