Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	$ 2,511	$ 2,275	$ 7,542	$ 6,405
Marketing and promotion [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	757	871	2,261	2,314
Cardmember rewards [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	1,565	1,263	4,755	3,666
Cardmember services [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	$ 189	$ 141	$ 526	$ 425