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- Definition

Reserves for losses relating to other receivables represent management's best estimate of the losses inherent in the Company's outstanding portfolio of other receivables.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, the amount due from customers or clients for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to their estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 3

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.5)

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For an unclassified balance sheet, a valuation allowance for receivables due a company that are expected to be uncollectible.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

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Amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the note. The note also may contain provisions and related items including a discount or premium, payable on demand, secured, or unsecured, interest bearing or noninterest bearing, among a myriad of other features and characteristics. Excludes amounts related to receivables held-for-sale.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 10

-Subparagraph 3

-Article 9

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Carrying amounts due as of the balance sheet date from parties or arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.

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Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts receivable segment information
Cardmember receivables	$ 43,371	$ 42,766
Less: Reserve for losses	410	428	424	438
Cardmember receivables, net	42,961	42,338
Other receivables, net	3,143	3,576
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Other receivables, reserves	86	86
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Cardmember receivables	6,950	8,012
Non United States [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Cardmember receivables	13,600	13,700
U S Card Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Cardmember receivables	20,369	21,124
U S Card Services [Member] \| Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Cardmember receivables	6,500	7,500
International Card Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Cardmember receivables	7,115	7,778
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Cardmember receivables	15,704	13,671
Global Commercial Services [Member] \| Airline [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Cardmember receivables	896	913
Global Commercial Services [Member] \| Airline [Member] \| Delta [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Cardmember receivables	645	676
Global Commercial Services [Member] \| Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Cardmember receivables	449	476
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Cardmember receivables	$ 183	$ 193