Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
U S Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	$ 51,868	$ 52,930
30 to 59 days past due	184	218
60 to 89 days past due	134	165
90+ days past due	310	373
Total aging	52,496	53,686
U S Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	19,255	20,246
30 to 59 days past due	108	122
60 to 89 days past due	65	81
90+ days past due	160	196
Total aging	19,588	20,645
International Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	8,309	8,748
30 to 59 days past due	47	52
60 to 89 days past due	29	32
90+ days past due	63	69
Total aging	8,448	8,901
International Card Services [Member] | Cardmember Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
90+ days past due	67	63
Total aging	6,804	7,222
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Cardmember Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
90+ days past due	88	109
Total aging	$ 14,985	$ 12,829