Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	$ 2,415	$ 2,581	$ 4,734	$ 5,031
Marketing and promotion [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	773	795	1,404	1,504
Cardmember rewards [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	1,462	1,613	2,929	3,190
Cardmember services [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	$ 180	$ 173	$ 401	$ 337