Receivables - Nonaccrual Receivables (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Nonaccrual receivables:
Total nonaccrual receivables	$ 5,265	$ 6,874
Real estate secured [Member]
Nonaccrual receivables:
Total nonaccrual receivables	2,878	6,544
Personal non-credit card [Member]
Nonaccrual receivables:
Total nonaccrual receivables		330
Nonaccrual receivables held for sale [Member]
Nonaccrual receivables:
Total nonaccrual receivables	$ 2,387