Reportable Operating Segments and Geographic Operations (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	$ 6,844	$ 6,535	$ 13,325	$ 12,496
Interest income	1,671	1,660	3,378	3,323
Interest expense	550	577	1,124	1,170
Total revenues, net of interest expense	7,965	7,618	15,579	14,649
Income from continuing operations	1,339	1,295	2,595	2,472
U S Card Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	2,925	2,734	5,679	5,256
Interest income	1,302	1,225	2,616	2,483
Interest expense	190	200	374	403
Total revenues, net of interest expense	4,037	3,759	7,921	7,336
Income from continuing operations	718	665	1,470	1,220
International Card Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,119	1,142	2,225	2,159
Interest income	276	317	569	614
Interest expense	98	108	198	214
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,297	1,351	2,596	2,559
Income from continuing operations	178	161	375	350
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,284	1,259	2,500	2,436
Interest income	2	2	5	4
Interest expense	65	70	127	128
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,221	1,191	2,378	2,312
Income from continuing operations	219	177	396	361
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,259	1,183	2,445	2,271
Interest income	5	1	9	2
Interest expense	(59)	(55)	(117)	(103)
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,323	1,239	2,571	2,376
Income from continuing operations	372	324	729	637
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	257	217	476	374
Interest income	86	115	179	220
Interest expense	256	254	542	528
Total revenues, net of interest expense	87	78	113	66
Income from continuing operations	$ (148)	$ (32)	$ (375)	$ (96)