Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 Days past due and accruing interest	$ 136	$ 185
Non-accrual loans	426	636
Loans and receivables modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring	1,037	1,201
Total impaired loans and receivables	1,599	2,022
Unpaid principal balance	1,545	1,925
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	297	342
Accounts Receivable and Loans (Textuals) [Abstract]
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, non-accrual	517	655
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, past due 90 days and still accruing	5	7
U S Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 Days past due and accruing interest	65	90
Non-accrual loans	420	628
Loans and receivables modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring	869	1,076
Total impaired loans and receivables	1,354	1,794
Unpaid principal balance	1,303	1,704
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	199	274
U S Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Receivables [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 Days past due and accruing interest	0	0
Non-accrual loans	0	0
Loans and receivables modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring	159	114
Total impaired loans and receivables	159	114
Unpaid principal balance	158	109
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	94	63
International Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 Days past due and accruing interest	71	95
Non-accrual loans	6	8
Loans and receivables modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring	9	11
Total impaired loans and receivables	86	114
Unpaid principal balance	84	112
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	$ 4	$ 5