Reserves For Losses (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cardmember Loans And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately And Collectively For Impairment [Abstract]
Cardmember loans evaluated separately for impairment	$ 878	$ 1,087
Reserves on cardmember loans evaluated separately for impairment	203	279
Cardmember loans evaluated collectively for impairment	57,329	59,763
Reserves on cardmember loans evaluated collectively for impairment	$ 1,936	$ 3,367