Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
U S Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	$ 52,201	$ 52,930
30 to 59 days past due	210	218
60 to 89 days past due	145	165
90+ days past due	309	373
Total aging	52,865	53,686
U S Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	19,164	20,246
30 to 59 days past due	130	122
60 to 89 days past due	73	81
90+ days past due	155	196
Total aging	19,522	20,645
International Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	8,714	8,748
30 to 59 days past due	47	52
60 to 89 days past due	29	32
90+ days past due	63	69
Total aging	8,853	8,901
International Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
90+ days past due	66	63
Total aging	7,228	7,222
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Cardmember Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
90+ days past due	100	109
Total aging	$ 15,393	$ 12,829