Reportable Operating Segments and Geographic Operations (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	$ 6,681	$ 6,458	$ 20,006	$ 18,954
Interest income	1,739	1,688	5,117	5,011
Interest expense	558	575	1,682	1,745
Total revenues, net of interest expense	7,862	7,571	23,441	22,220
Income from continuing operations	1,250	1,235	3,845	3,707
U S Card Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	2,887	2,752	8,566	8,008
Interest income	1,362	1,287	3,978	3,770
Interest expense	194	201	568	604
Total revenues, net of interest expense	4,055	3,838	11,976	11,174
Income from continuing operations	699	733	2,169	1,953
International Card Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,126	1,156	3,351	3,315
Interest income	289	299	858	913
Interest expense	102	108	300	322
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,313	1,347	3,909	3,906
Income from continuing operations	164	221	539	571
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,218	1,195	3,718	3,631
Interest income	3	3	8	7
Interest expense	65	68	192	196
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,156	1,130	3,534	3,442
Income from continuing operations	183	197	579	558
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,238	1,188	3,683	3,459
Interest income	7	2	16	4
Interest expense	(65)	(60)	(182)	(163)
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,310	1,250	3,881	3,626
Income from continuing operations	360	332	1,089	969
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	212	167	688	541
Interest income	78	97	257	317
Interest expense	262	258	804	786
Total revenues, net of interest expense	28	6	141	72
Income from continuing operations	$ (156)	$ (248)	$ (531)	$ (344)