Reportable Operating Segments and Geographic Operations (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	$ 6,638	$ 6,454
Interest income	1,762	1,707
Interest expense	519	574
Total revenues, net of interest expense	7,881	7,587
Net Income	1,280	1,256
U S Card Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	2,878	2,754
Interest income	1,386	1,314
Interest expense	182	184
Total revenues, net of interest expense	4,082	3,884
Net Income	804	752
International Card Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,124	1,106
Interest income	290	293
Interest expense	97	100
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,317	1,299
Net Income	178	197
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,220	1,216
Interest income	3	3
Interest expense	60	62
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,163	1,157
Net Income	191	177
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,234	1,186
Interest income	7	4
Interest expense	(62)	(58)
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,303	1,248
Net Income	373	357
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	182	192
Interest income	76	93
Interest expense	242	286
Total revenues, net of interest expense	16	(1)
Net Income	$ (266)	$ (227)