Reserves For Losses (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Additions:
Cardmember loans provisions			$ 23	$ 1,429
Cardmember loans provisions - other			81	61
Total provision	48	262	104	1,490
Deductions:
Cardmember loans net write-offs - principal			(1,375)	(2,630)
Cardmember loans net write-offs - interest and fees			(159)	(287)
Cardmember loans - other			(77)	(54)
Reserves For Losses Textuals [Abstract]
Allowance for loan and lease losses, recoveries of bad debts			444	422
Reserve For Losses Securitized Loans	2,139	4,318	2,139	4,318	3,646	5,799
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member] | Scenario Adjustment [Member]
Changes in the cardmember loans reserve for losses
Balance, January 1						2,531
Deductions:
Balance, September 30						2,531
Reserves For Losses Textuals [Abstract]
Reserve For Losses Securitized Loans						2,531
Scenario Previously Reported [Member]
Changes in the cardmember loans reserve for losses
Balance, January 1					3,646	3,268
Deductions:
Balance, September 30					$ 3,646	$ 3,268