Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U S Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	$ 53,892	$ 55,281
30 to 59 days past due	184	200
60 to 89 days past due	127	147
90+ days past due	278	325
Total aging	54,481	55,953
U S Card Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	19,915	20,748
30 to 59 days past due	122	116
60 to 89 days past due	65	76
90+ days past due	156	184
Total aging	20,258	21,124
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	8,318	9,099
30 to 59 days past due	41	47
60 to 89 days past due	28	30
90+ days past due	58	60
Total aging	8,445	9,236
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
90+ days past due	80	74
Total aging	7,181	7,778
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
90+ days past due	120	112
Total aging	$ 15,853	$ 13,671