Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	$ 2,461	$ 2,511	$ 7,195	$ 7,542
Marketing and promotion [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	764	757	2,168	2,261
Cardmember rewards [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	1,496	1,565	4,425	4,755
Cardmember services [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	$ 201	$ 189	$ 602	$ 526