Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U S Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	$ 52,947	$ 55,281
30 to 59 days past due	182	200
60 to 89 days past due	143	147
90+ days past due	334	325
Total aging	53,606	55,953
U S Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	19,992	20,748
30 to 59 days past due	107	116
60 to 89 days past due	83	76
90+ days past due	187	184
Total aging	20,369	21,124
International Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	8,487	9,099
30 to 59 days past due	50	47
60 to 89 days past due	32	30
90+ days past due	62	60
Total aging	8,631	9,236
International Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
90+ days past due	80	74
Total aging	7,115	7,778
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Cardmember Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
90+ days past due	111	112
Total aging	$ 15,704	$ 13,671